Just because you don't have hair...

Gold is such a royal and beautiful color.  It just so happens to be the color associated with pediatric cancer.  Cancer is a disease that steals.  It takes without mercy and when an adult is diagnosed it is bad; but it is horrific when a child is diagnosed with such a disease.  Children have such a beautiful innocence about them and even thinking of what is against those who are diagnosed makes me ill.  Children should never have to deal and cope with something so heavy, yet the unfortunate reality is that this is apart of our lives and cancer isn't going away anytime soon.

Today, I want to offer some fashionable assistance and resources in helping children dealing with feeling better about their appearance through their diagnosis, treatment, and helping keep their esteem up through the recovery of this disease.

As found on Pinterest

Just because you don't have hair, doesn't mean you aren't beautiful!

Believe it or not our hair is just an accessory to our over all appearance.  It doesn't own us or define us.  It enhances our over all appearance but it doesn't make us who we are.  When going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments it is not uncommon for a patient's hair to disappear.  Then after treatment, it could grow in very different then before!  That is hard to imagine.  It can be embarrassing for a child to lose their hair, but there are ways to help ease the pain of this.

Locks of Love:
This Florida based organization provides hairpieces to under privileged children in need.  This organization is extremely popular and I know of several individuals who have donated their mane to them.  You are able to nominate a child or alert them of someone that might be a good fit.  Check them out at http://www.locksoflove.org.

Wigs for Kids:
This Ohio based organization provides information, consultations, and wigs for kids dealing with hair loss of all kinds.  Specific for children's needs.  Finding a good wig will help boost a child's self-esteem and confidence.  http://www.wigsforkids.org (Great resource to find wigs of all kinds based on a needs basis)

Headcovers Unlimited:
I was extremely impressed with how this company started.  Under the "Our Story" tab on the website, you too can read it.  Really awesome start to helping others feel better through the hair loss.  They have a wide variety of offerings that a child dealing with cancer might find just perfect to cover their heads.  http://www.headcovers.com/children/

Fashion Scarves and Hats:
At Claire's boutique, you can find several hats and head wraps to which would be appropriate for a young girl without hair to accessorize with.  They are brightly colored, fashionable, and I think could really help a young lady shine.  http://www.claires.com/store/us/the-goods/hair/cat1730030/hair/headwraps/.

This site also had some reasonable and adorably fashionable choices to choose from as far as hats and head wraps go.  I also like this as they have also included some hat choices for boys as well.  http://www.hatsscarvesandmore.com.


Finding the right wig or covering can be a trying and exhausting task.  It is important that you go to a wig specialist in finding the perfect shape and style to fit the face.  A wig specialist is also going to help you find the best fit for the head in need.  Wigs can be fun to play with in addition to finding something that looks as the child's prior to hair.  The better the fit, the better the child is comfortable in the wig or head covering the better over all they will feel about them wearing it.  That will have a direct and positive affect on your child's self-esteem.

 Good luck most of all to the children who have cancer.  Those innocent children who are faced with fighting for their lives.  You are not only an inspiration to the cross you bear with such strength, but you truly are amazing.  Keep fighting, praying and never lose hope. We support you.  We love you.

--Catie Manning

It's Back to School Time!

In the salon, we have been slammed with children needing their 'ears lowered' on account of this minor phenomena called school.  GASP!  It is that time already!!  Where on earth did summer disappear to?!

Today's post is devoted to the 'Back-to-School hair' and how you can start your new school year off fresh and feeling great about your appearance.  Everything seems to be last minute and you might feel unsure if you want to make a major change or a slight trim.  It is a big deal!  And most of the time, school pictures shortly follow the beginning of the year so everything hinges upon your appearance in that regard.  No one wants to have a picture where they regret the style or the haircut your mom just made you have.  For me, it was the big bangs.  I don't care how fashionable those bangs were; I am pretty sure that they just were a fab thank goodness.  I have graduated in creating height in a more socially acceptable fashion over the years.  That was an easy fix.

For the Ladies:
A new cut can make a huge impact.

A color can be a subtle way to enhance.

Accessories are awesome!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/156746973/back-to-school-hair-bow-school-hair-bows?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest

http://twinsandcrafts.blogspot.pt/search?updated-max=2012-05-03T10:17:00%2B01:00&max-results=7&start=14&by-date=false

And for the Gentlemen:
The simple cut and comb over is still in fashion.

A fade with a little length on-top is very complimentary for those who want to use a little product and go.  Looks carefree and is very low maintenance.

As pinned by http://paulmitchell.edu on Pinterest

Texturizing is always a great option for those with a lot of hair.

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c1/4b/59/c14b59cf8e5885deec92688c52ef612a.jpg

A little spike never hurts!

http://thisthriftyhouse.blogspot.com/2010/07/bi-monthly-before-and-afters.html

Back-to-school hair can be a fun endeavor.  You are relying on the cooperation of your child or teen, but nothing is wrong with starting the year on a positive note!  As a stylist, we make the experience fun for them...or at least we should!  The more they see it as a fun enjoyable experience the less likely they are going to oppose the annual hair cut.  Take everything in stride and have a great new school year!!

Catie Manning

The Updo: I don't know what I want!

Wedding season upon us and there may be a need to style our hair that is a little more than our everyday fashion.  It is not out of the question to add some curls and frills for something important like a banquet, wedding, or another important life event.

At your scheduled hair appointment, it helps if you bring in pictures of what you are thinking to at least give your hair stylist a starting point.  Even if the whole style is not what you are looking for, you can tell us what you like and don't like.  I always seem to be inspired if my client has a picture of the outfit they are wearing to the event.  It is much easier having more information than not.  If you just have no idea what you want, this post is for you!

Here are some questions/items to consider:
1.  Schedule a little extra time around your appointment as a buffer.  Before any service, your hair stylist will conduct a consultation.  If you don't know what you want, it may take a little longer until you are able to decide on a direction to which you want to go.  This is just something to be aware of so you do not get in a pinch for time.

2.  What event are you going to?  A casual wedding verse a very traditional wedding will make a difference for your updo.  A graduation is different than a conference where you are winning a highly noted award.  Are you going to be outside or inside for this event?  This will be the perfect starting point.

3.  Simple is always best.  Keep your thoughts basic.  Do you like curls?  Do you like straight and sleek?  Do you want something a little bit trendy?  Do you want bangs or hair around your face left down or will that drive you nuts?  Do you like volume or would you rather a slightly sleeker design?

4. A basic style can be enhanced by curls, braids, twists or other designs.  These are the perfect accent to any style.  A simple rope braid or twisty can add a elegance and flair to any simple updo.  Do you have any hair pieces like clips or headbands that you want us to incorporate?

5. Never be afraid to ask your hair stylist to tweak a section if you aren't feeling it.  I have had clients that call themselves picky.  And they are, but in the end it is about making YOU happy.  I will do my best to cater and work hard in creating a beautiful look that suits you and the occasion.

Coming in a day early for her client consultation made a huge difference in how I approached this hairstyle.    My client has naturally curly hair.  Since we highlighted her hair prior to the updo--we washed and blew her hair straight.  Her mom had an idea in her head of how she wanted her daughter's hair to look for her graduation.  She explained it to me and then I was able to translate that just as she wanted.  I did add my own flair in the back section in the movement of curls and how I pinned them. 

My dear friend Jessica had a wedding to attend this past Saturday.  Prior to me doing a consultation, she sent me a picture of a style she wanted to do.  I had a good idea before seeing her hair of what style she was wanting to achieve.  In the picture, the front was parted and left some hair down framing the face.  After seeing her dress, I asked if she would be willing to try something different.  She was open to it bringing the front of her hair out back instead of parting it.  Her dress was very classic style and by eliminating the part and moving it off to the side, we were able to keep consistent with the theme of her outfit and soften the updo's design.  

Coming to get your hair done should be a fun and exciting trip to the salon.  I hope this helps give you some direction when you are uncertain of the look you are needing/going for in your style.  There is nothing I love more than a client who participates actively in the consultation, is open to me suggesting and creating some variation, and in the end seeing a big smile on their face.  It is rewarding as a client and as a hair stylist.

Beauty knows no limits.....
Catie Manning, Hair Stylist