Hair Color Los Angeles Trends, Lighter Ends and Blonding

I must confess I wasn't a fan at first.  All I could think of was "Oh my gosh, look at those roots."   But before this technique was practiced, polished and perfected, it truly looked like overgrown color rather than something that had a more subtle effect and appearance.  The idea is a beautiful sun kissed "natural wear" to color as if hair had lightened naturally over time on its own.  The right stylist with a talented hand a color genius mind can  help you achieve this result in no time.  Balayage (painted on strokes) is a great method to achieve this look and minimizes processing time necessary as well. 

Depending on the desired effect, lightener can be left on for as little as 3-5 minutes for a very subtle effect, or even longer depending on the desired lift.  Consult with an expert colorist before just walking in and requesting this color service.  Touch-up every 6-8 weeks to keep a consistent effect and to prevent over-fading or lightening. 

Winter hair and skin

While much of the winter season is spent in down and Ugg Boots, beauty routines can take a back seat with all the effort it takes to bundle up and keep warm.  But excessive weather and conditions can take a toll on hair and skin so it's best to be prepared.

1. Avoid excess treatments for hair & skin.  If you are a routine facial or chemical treatment client for skin or hair, take it easy in winter months to keep hair and skin looking and feeling as comfortable as possible. 
2. Avoid excess hairspray during winter months.  With heat inside and weather conditions outside, hair can become dry and damaged.  Use a shaping clay or styling cream to tame down or add structure to hair as needed rather than over spraying. 
3. You may need to adjust hair or skincare cleansing systems to more gentle formulas during winter months. 
4. Keep a hydrating mist with you for hair or skincare needs.  Both can become very dehydrated in the winter months and moisture and hydration will keep both comfortable and healthy.  
5. Trust your salon professional for products, tools or services during winter months.  

For hair or beauty services or consultations with Billy Lowe please call 310-430-4045.  For beauty education, salon or beauty industry consultancy, please email us with more information about your event or production.  

Best Hair Color Tips - Billy Lowe Beverly Hills

Billy Lowe - Delicious color with subtle highlighting

In a word, I've corrected more "celebrity hair color" than you can imagine.  I was listening to one of my colleagues say he completely burned off one of the Playboy Girls' hair when he left her under the dryer for too long.  Sigh.   When it comes to hair color, there's only one word I use when giving advice:   RESEARCH.

Many people have never even had their hair professionally colored, and many others return time and time again to their colorists as loyal as people are to medical professionals.  But color is something I take very seriously and with proper time and attention from both the professional and the client, results can be a sure win every time.

Here are some color DOs and DON'Ts.

• Don't race your color appt.   It takes 45 minutes for color to be applied and processed and even longer if you add highlights.   This doesn't include highlighting time, shampooing or conditioning time, blow-out time, or checking in and out.  Color is an investment of your time and finances. 
• Be realistic with your color.  If you're a dark brown and you want to be "violet" blonde, good luck.  First of all, I don't think it will look good, and the action at the roots can be very inconsistent if you're trying to lift too much.   It's ALWAYS best to stay 1-2 levels lighter or darker than your own natural color and then add dimension with highlighting or low-lighting as you wish. 
• Avoid shampooing for 24-48 hours after color.    Hair color needs time to settle and cuticle time to rebond to keep color lasting and looking its best.
• Don't do it yourself.   What a tragic mess this can be.   Are you kidding me?  Put that bottle down and spend $75 or $80 bucks and get to the salon and get it done the right way so you don't have to pay for a $400 color correction. This creates an annoying service for your stylist to have to think through, work through, and correct. 

To book your color appointment with Billy Lowe please call 310-430-4045.  

Stop twirling your hair!

Billy Lowe and Beauty Producer Chantel Templeman.

Each and every day I see countless people out of nervous habit twirl their hair or pick at their ends.  I can't tell you how many times I've been driving through Los Angeles in rush hour traffic and see the lady in front of me twirl twirl twirl as she chews her gum nervously at the light.  I've spoken to countless groups and sitting right in front of me as I'm telling the crowd NOT to twirl your hair - is someone 4 feet away from me looking at her ends, or simply stroking her tresses as one arm is propped on the chair next to her.   Readers, DO NOT TWIRL YOUR HAIR OR PICK AT IT. Here's why:

• Over-touching your hair causes unnecessary stress on the hair
• Twirling can cause breakage, fraying and other damage to the hair causing it to become weak and break
• Twirling can lead to pulling.  People often pull at a strand or two here and there and don't even realize they are doing it and before you know it, more is gone than they intended.  
• It can make you seem nervous or out of touch

All in all it's just not a healthy thing to do and the habit can cause you to seem uneasy.  Relax.  Take a knitting class, flip through the channels on the radio; anything but twirling your hair.  

Achieve Dreams And Speed Up Success By Clicking With Mentors - Investors.com

Billy Lowe was featured in ilInvestors Business Daily on the topic of mentors.

'I credit "Mama June" from my home church for being the mentor who encouraged me in life. I had no idea what a college application would look like but Mama June taught me how to apply to college and create an amazing portfolio of my accomplishments, newspaper articles, competitions and contests, school achievements, etc. She saw so much in me and always encouraged me to audition or apply for this or that, take on some new project or other, and I'll always be grateful for her guidance and support and push forward even when I didn't have the push myself.

"I hope you enjoy the article today in Investors Business Daily. Mama June you're the best!"


Achieve Dreams And Speed Up Success By Clicking With Mentors - Investors.com

How to get on reality television!

When it comes to press and media, my friend Dan Janal of PRLeads.com is king of them all.  From my features in magazine articles to news segments, radio shows to hosting, Dan's business has been a complete asset to my brand, my role as a beauty leader, and in being of service to others.  Because of Dan's service, I receive hundreds of calls and inquiries on beauty related topics having worked in Hollywood as a key beauty player for so many years.

I received a call the other day from Dan who wanted to know how to get on reality TV.  I told Dan, it's more than just having a concept; it's really about what sets you apart and gives viewers a compelling reason to want to watch you time and time again.  So here's what I said in Dan's article. 

Reprinted by permission: 

Frankly, I'd like to throw Khloe, Snooki and the Desperate Housewives of New Jersey under a bus.
But it seems like everyone wants to be a reality TV star. If that's in your plan, consider these look-good/feel-good tips from Billy Lowe, celebrity hairstylist and longtime PR Leads client who is now offering beauty services to reality TV wannabees:

Lighten up. You've got to know your content, and you have to be comfortable in your own shoes.

Hit the party after work

All it takes is a cardigan, some eye shadow and lip gloss and you're ready for the after work event. 

If you've been in 9 to 5 wear all day long and you're eager for happy hour or the next after-work gathering, loosen up with just a few quick and easy tips.   These quick and easy time savers will have you looking a little more casual, feeling a bit more comfortable, and save you a little more time rather than running home to change and then reconnecting. 

• Trade the jacket for a cardigan.  Take a cardigan or light sweater with you for a night time change.  This will give you a more relaxed and comfortable feel rather than staying in a suit/jacket look all evening.  This even works for the guys. 
• Deepen the lips with a darker lip gloss and liner.  This will give you a sultry evening look worthy of the night and whomever you may cross along the way. 
• Give eyes a deeper m ore dramatic look with a deeper eye shadow.   Simply use a cotton ball to apply for a more smudged and smoky look. 

Easy as 1-2-3 and you're on your way to the after work engagements without feeling like you're still in your at-work attire.   Have fun and enjoy your evening.

When facebook becomes a drag

In today's ever fast-paced world, just how's a girl (or boy) to balance work, life, community involvement, church bulletins, texts, voice mails, emails AND facebook notifications from 100 or more "friends?"  I was studying Dr Franklin Covey's 7 Habits recently and he had such an amazing way of putting it. 

On a piece of paper, draw 4 quadrants. 

1:   Important and Urgent (the annoying ringing of the phone)
2.  Iimportant and NOT urgent
3.  Not important but urgent
4.  Not important and not urgent

All life's quality situations will (and should) land in quadrant 2.   Important, but not urgent.  A friend of mine posted the birth of  his babies on Facebook as the official announcement but became upset at me when I didn't see the notice.  To me, Facebook is best for journaling, quick entries, or just making notes or sorting photos for myself.  I use it as an online diary and certainly NOT to keep up with 900 people or more.  To do so would be quadrant 3 - Not important, but urgent.  This quadrant simply would not create a quality life for anyone. 

So while this isn't a direct "beauty tip" for the day, it is to say that there are many more important ways to spend time, care for oneself, and make room for what really DOES matter - that perfect hairspray or lipstick shade.   All joking aside, the stress of keeping up with 900+ people on my Facebook as "friends" just isn't a scheduling priority for me.  I take much greater pride in helping others look and feel their best, lending an ear to a client I'm with, or perhaps taking a friend out to dinner.  These quality relationships are much more meaningful in the long run and to me help create a better balance throughout the day. 

Today's beauty tip:  Minimize computer and online time with situations that are in quadrant 1, 3 or 4 of Dr Covey's brilliant plan.   Enjoy the day. 

Bridal Show Los Angeles

Don't miss the upcoming Bridal Show and Wedding Expo at KNOTTS BERRY FARMS. 

My friends at the Great Bridal Expo will be showcasing yet another exciting bridal show at this amazing location.    Through the years I've had the opportunity to speak at these fabulous events and they are a lot of fun and NOT to be missed.

Here's the skinny:

February 19, 2012
11am to 4pm

Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel - Buena Park
7675 Crescent Ave.  •  Buena Park, CA 90620

Visit www.bridalshowplace.net today for more information.

Billy Lowe luxury hair care

We are pleased to announce the launch of Billy Lowe luxury hair care and Billy Lowe Advanced Night Repair cream.   Available at fine retail outlets nationwide. 
Hair care line boasts: 

• 100% vegan
• Paraben free
• Anti-aging hair care
• No sulfates so great for color treated hair

Advanced Night Repair cream boasts

• Rich and concentrated make-up (a little goes a long way)
• Great for most skin types (tailor the amount used to your skin type)
• Especially great for dry or harsh environments
• Shea butter, macadamia nut oil, safflower seed and vitamin E give skin a youthful radiance

We just know you're going to love these red carpet products, tested on celebrities - not animals.