Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Curl Conscious?

Autumn's Hair How To

Clients Ask Me Almost Daily How it is I Curl My Hair. Here is a Step by Step Guide. 
1.) Prep Dry Hair with 1-2 Pumps of Kerastase Fibre Architect ($42). 
2.) Section Hair Starting at The Nape of the Neck. Wrap 1" Sections Around Curling Iron. (I use Paul Mitchell Express Ion Curl 1".) Hold the Curling Iron Open and Keep Hold of the End of your Hair. Repeat and Work your Way to the Top Section. 
3.) Finish with Paul Mitchell Extra Body Hairspray for a Strong Hold. Finish with Kerastase Double Force Control Ultime for a Medium Hold ($39). 


Monday, September 10, 2012

Eyelash Extensions 101



Eyelash Extensions is the hot new "Must Have" that has us all swooning.  Of course, along with all new hot commodities, come the rumors and unanswered questions.  This blog is dedicated for the True and False on extending your beauty, one lash at a time.  Before we get to the FAQ, let me first give you a play by play on how Lash Extensions work.

Lash Extensions vary in material, thickness, and curl.  There are Mink, Silk, and a synthetic material called PBT.  Everyone has a different look they're going for, and your Artist will go over what he or she recommends for your eye shape and natural lash length. 

Each Lash Extensions is attached to your natural lash, ideally 1mm away from your lash line, using medical grade cyanoacrylate glue. In layman's terms, medical grade superglue that is non- toxic and virtually fume less. Depending on the quality of glue that your chosen Artist uses, your set of Extensions, without any routine maintenance, could last you 6 weeks before they are all shed. If you choose to keep your set looking fresh, full and new you will typically go in for a Re- Lash every 2-3 weeks. During a Re- Lash, your Artist will go over your set, remove any Extensions that are overgrown, and fill in any gaps. You leave brand new, ready to bat those pretty eyes again. 

There are things you need to commit to when signing up for Lash Extensions though, it is a two way street!

Before And After Eyelash Extension Set 
*Shower and cleanse your lashes before your appointments.  The reason why is because for the first 48 hours after your visit, the adhesive is curing.  That means no steam, heat, humidity, or eye makeup!  If you choose to do any of the aforementioned during this time, just be aware that you will lose some Extensions prematurely.  So protect your investment and just follow the rules!

*No more scrubbing your eyes to remove your makeup. Be gentle.  Your artist should send you home with an "Aftercare Kit", which will include lint free applicators to remove any mascara or eyeliner, and a disposable mascara wand to brush your babies back into place if ever they become unruly.

*No More Lash Curlers!  They are bad for your natural lashes as it is!  Do you know how many of my clients have purchased RevitaLash from me, because their lashes started breaking from curling them every morning?  If you use a lash curler on your Extensions, you will ultimately break the bond of the adhesive, and your Extensions will simply fall off.  If you must curl your lashes, use a Heated Lash Curler instead.  They are easy to find, Sephora carries inexpensive ones.

Before And After Eyelash Extension Set
Okay, now on to the FAQ.  As a Lash Extension Artist, I have heard them all.  Let's start with the most popular...

"I heard that if you get Lash Extensions, all your real eyelashes fall out."
FALSE.
If you have a full set of Extensions, that means you have a synthetic lash attached to each of your natural lashes.  Due to the natural hair growth cycle, you shed 2-6 lashes daily, which means that you will also lose 2-6 Extensions daily.  They are not pulling your natural lashes out, Nature is just taking it's course.  *However, if you are routinely going to an Artist that was improperly trained, or if you are having flares applied, that could be a different story entirely.  Do your research ladies (and gents!), find out where your Artist did their training, and if the company they was trained through is reputable.

"My lashes are straight and point down, I was told I can't get Extensions."
FALSE.
It makes absolutely no difference.  If your lashes are very straight and angle down, your Artist can use a heated lash curler first to bring them up a bit.  There are also different curls available in the Extensions, so she can always fix the problem for you.

"My eyes are very sensitive, and they tear a lot, I'm not sure I'm a good candidate for Lash Extensions."
TRUE.
Unfortunately, excessive tearing is not good for Lash Extensions.  It takes 48 hours for the adhesive to fully cure, and moisture will only interfere with the bonding.  You might want to really contemplate investing in Extensions, because you most likely will lose your Extensions quicker than most clients.

"I heard you can't wear mascara with Lash Extensions, because it will make them fall out"
TRUE and FALSE
You CAN wear mascara, but it must be oil free or very low oil content.  Oil interferes with the bond of the adhesive, and your Extensions will just slip off.  Most reputable Lash Extension companies offer oil free/low oil eye makeup products, so make sure to ask your Artist.  Oil Free Makeup Remover is easy to find in most drug stores or department store counters, but I highly recommend purchasing mascara and eyeliner through your Artist, NOT Sephora or elsewhere.  For instance, Xtreme Lash has a really good Mascara and GlideLiner, it is formulated to go on and come off easy, without the need to scrub your eyes.  Big No-No with Lash Extensions!  Keep in mind though, you don't have to wear mascara with Extensions...One of their many benefits is that you wake up looking like you already have it on. 

After Eyelash Extensions
Lash Extensions are fast becoming part of the Beauty Budget right next to skin care, waxing and hair.  No more raccoon eyes when swimming in the pool?  No more mascara in the morning?  Longer, thicker lashes, without of the use of eyelash conditioners that threaten to change the color of your eyes? Some of you may be finding yourself asking, "Where do I sign up!?" Elena McCrary, Autumn Houston The Salon's, exclusive Eyelash Extension Specialist is available at 619. 546. 5464. 
  

After Eyelash Extensions

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Autumn Houston The Salon's Feature 
"The Color" in RIVERA MAGAZINE Beauty Black Book.



Friday, April 27, 2012

Summer Ombre Color

 Ditch the Dark & Lighten Up this Summer. 
Elena Before: Warm Dark Brown Base Color

Elena After: Rich Copper Gold Base Color

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

One Mile One Dollar




One Mile One Dollar
A Fundraiser for The Baan San Fan Orphanage in Phang Nga, Thailand. 


On December 26th, 2004 an earthquake off the west-coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra created a massive tsunami wave which caused huge devastation in several countries, including Thailand. The Phang Nga province was worst hit and many thousands of people were killed, leaving behind several hundred orphans. Thai husband and wife Sam and Gai came to the area to help and ran a tent looking after a group of children. A Swiss gentleman was inspired by the couple and offered to buy them land in the local village of Bang Wan. In October 2005 Baan San Fan opened its doors to 8 children. Baan San Fan has a capacity of 40 but a lack of financial support means they are only able to care for 12 children at the present time. The tsunami has long since passed but Thailand is very poor and hundreds of children in Phang Nga still desperately need care and protection from the drug and prostitution trades that blight the poverty-stricken people of the region.


Help Us Raise $8,853 for the 8,853 Miles we will be traveling. 

On March 11th, 2012 Elena and Autumn will be traveling to Thailand. We will be staying at the orphanage for 3-4 days volunteering and getting to know each child. The money raised will be used to buy food, clothing, and books for these suffering children. The orphanage is also in need of a roof repair, water filter, and fence. 


Ways To Help: 

1.) Attend Our Event and Participate in the Silent Auction. 
Date- 2/25/12 
Time- 6:00 PM 
Location- 2814 University Ave #1 San Diego, CA 92104 (Corner of University & Idaho)
Items that will be auctioned off include: Full Set of Hair Extensions by Autumn Houston, Color & Haircut Services at San Diego's Best Salons, Full Set of Eyelash Extensions by Elena McCrary, Facial & Waxing Services, Acupuncture, Massage Services, One Month Unlimited Yoga at Core Power Yoga (3), Lifestyle Portraits or Head Shots with Holly Sutor of Sutography, Restaurant Gift Certificates, One Month of Guitar Lessons, One Month of Piano Lessons, Art, & more.  

2.) Donate a Service or Item for Silent Auction.
Please Email Autumn.Houston@ymail.com with details of your donation. 

3.) Make a One Time Donation. 
Cash, Check, & Credit Card Accepted. There is No Minimum Donation. If you would like to make a donation by Credit Card Please Call (702) 503-2416 or Email Autumn.Houston@ymail.com with your Credit Card information and the amount of the donation you would like to make. Please mail and make checks payable to Autumn Houston 2814 University Ave #1 San Diego, CA 92104.  

Please help Elena and Autumn make a difference in Phang Nga, Thailand.