Happy Birthday Red Hair and How To Get A Cheap & Chic Hairdo in London

This month I'm celebrating 4 years of being a Redhead. During that time, and infact every week, I still get asked the same questions:

1. Why do you have red hair?

2. How do you do it?

3. Doesn't it cost lots of money?
Well I'm about to answer all three questions. Starting in reverse order:

A cut and colour at a regular hairdressing salon in London will set you back £70+ - if you're heading to a 5 star salon like Toni&Guy, you're looking at £100+.....BUT there are ways to avoid these fees, by giving up 3-4 hours of your time and becoming a hairdressing model - which is what I've been doing for the last decade.

If you're a Londoner, or passing through, you may have stumbled cross this sign on New Oxford Street. Well I can confirm, it's completely genuine, is a very friendly service and worth a try. You normally need to book a week or two in advance but no more, so it's perfect for people who are holidaying in London, as much as it is for locals like myself.
You can have a cut, colour or both and prices range from £5-20 but sometimes they do promotions or check out Gumtree as some of the students often place adverts up there.
So what actually happens? There are two categories : firstly you may be the model for one of the students completing a course at the academy or secondly you will be a demo model where you get your hair done by one of the tutors who teach at the academy who are all Creative Directors - if you model for them, it's free and that's what I do!

Lovely Fabrice who works at the Covent Garden branch has been cutting my hair for about three years while the colour until the end of last year was done by Lindsay Ashton, but she recently moved to the Manchester Academy so I've had some different colour experts dyeing my hair since then - all have been fab! If you demo model you get your hair done on a stage with a small audience, otherwise you'll have a more regular experience of just you and your stylist, but don't worry their work is assessed and over seen by a tutor so you will get the same professional level of service. And you do get a say in the final look.

Demo models get prepped 'backstage. These are the sinks; usually there are three or four demo models at a time.

Here's a sneaky peak at the colour cupboard...so many dyes, not enough time to try them all!

And here's the shoe rack, mainly made up of super high Kurt Geiger heels - if you're a demo modelling you get a full T&G makeover with clothes and shoes to wear!

And here's the stage, see it's not so scary....though I admit I have completely forgotten what a traditional hairdressing experience is like. I'm used to there being people watching me rather than looking in a mirror, infact I can't see the progress at all. I tend to on stage with one look and leave with a whole new style.

The lovely pots of red dye about to go in my hair. Although I tend to keep a whole red head, there are details within it - different shades, often hints of purple or pink.

After the colour it's time to leave the stage and get the heat on for the colour to speed up. It's then washed before returning to the stage to get it cut.

And yes it's one of the rare times I wear black...it's the T&G way, but it's only for a few hours and in exchange I get an amazing brand new hairdo every 8 weeks ....so now you know my secret and why my hair always seems to look different....and it doesn't cost me a penny - yay! But I should admit, although I've mainly been a red head, there have been couple of experimental phases:

There was my brief lilac fling...

and the time I got the Blues.....which I regret not keeping for longer, I loved it!

But alas, I was born to be a redhead (answer to question 1) and that's how I intend to stay for a long time yet!! (There is also the fact my heroine and the girl I aspire to be: Bat Girl has red hair too........)

If anyone out there is contemplating going red or has any questions about getting a cut and/or colour at the T&G Academy then get in touch and I'll do my best to answer. It really is quite an experience and I highly recommend it to someone who wants a good quality haircut, doesn't have the money but can spare the time (you're looking at least 1/2 a day off work.) If you make an appointment it will be with a student, you may become a demo model on the day if the tutor needs one at the last minute, otherwise, most use the same models. When I started, I had my hair cut by students until one day a tutor cut my hair and I stuck with him, mainly because just like your regular hairdresser, he now totally understands my look, face shape etc which means I never have bad hairs days (touch wood.)

The Toni&Guy London Academy needs models Monday-Friday, appointments are normally 10am and 2pm and take about 3 hours. To book, call 0207 836 0606 or visit the branch in person at 71-75 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DG. There is also a Manchester branch and others around the world.

Tutorial: Bling Craft - Mirror makeover

I've so far blinged up my MAC computer screen, digital camera, mobile phone, iron and sewing machine...and on Wednesday night it was the turn of my make-up mirror. I recently realised that my beauty regime is being let down simply because my mirror is soooo boring:

Here's the evidence - a plain metal/bronze colour. It's one of those mirrors where you look normal on one side, then can flip it over to get a close up so you can apply details.

This kind of blingtastic makeover can happen to anything you own at home - a vase, tissue box, drawer, door knob, mug rack...whatever you think could do with some sparkle.

You will need:

• Acrylic gemstones (cheap, plastic coloured stones in assorted shades)....if you can afford it you could use Swarovski crystals for an exquisite million dollar looking design but I'm guessing 99% of my readers won't have that kind of money and you certainly need quite a few for complete coverage
• Glue gun & glue sticks
• Soft cloth

First of all use the cloth to wipe all over the item you want to pimp.

Don't worry about planning the design, just concentrate on positioning the largest stones first. Apply hot glue to the surface then place the gem on top. It will hold immediately, you won't be able to lift it off. Once all the big stones are in place, fill in every gap with smaller stones, then any remaining gaps with tiny ones, so every gap shimmers.

The main thing to remember is that glue guns dry quickly so you can't expect to glue the entire surface, it's easiest to glue each stone one at a time. Be patient - this project took me 2 hours but I was watching TV at the same time - Bling Crafting is good to do whilst you're watching a movie!

Voila!

I chose not to bling the bottom edge as a) this makes it easier to lift it and place down and b) I was running low on gems and didn't want them to look sparse, this concept is about cramming in as much as possible!

Here's a bird's eye angle, as well as the base and neck I customised the top of the mirror.

But I didn't do the bottom rim as the mirror still needs to move freely. It will dry immediately but you will need to do a little tidying up.

Fancy having a go? Here's 5 tips for Blinging Bliss:
1) Glue guns leave stringy lines of glue. Ignore these as you work, you can pull them off afterwards - if you leave them as they are, you will end up with a spider web type layer on top.
2) I recommend a glue gun despite the stringy finish because they are easy to use, fix fast and will hold the gems - some other strong glues can let you down also because it may take you a couple of hours to complete, you don't want to be using a super glue with a strong odour.
3) Should you spray on a layer of protective glue to make it last even longer? This is not necessary unless your item will spend long periods outside like if it's a garden pot or is something you will travel with. Adhesive sprays can leave a dulling effect so if you do use one, when it's dry, give the surface a quick cloth polish up.
4) Where to get gemstones - I get mine from Creative Beadcraft - I've been using them for many years - they are a jewellery making specialist and you will find that most jewellery stores sell acrylic beads in packs. You may also find them in a general art and craft supply shops, possibly stocked in the children's section or check out Ebay or one of my other fave online stockists Josy Rose.
5) Though stones alone give a wonderful finish, if I was to do this again I would use some white pearly beads in amongst them to add a sophisticated twist - it will also tone it down if you feel it's too much colour overload - or stick to a palette of about three colours.
Happy Blinging!

My trip to Kilpatrick PR press day

Festive spirit

One of the most exciting things about working as a journalist is being the first to see, hear, watch, experience, and try out new things. But these benefits are no longer restricted to the press. In recent years PRs have been taking much more notice of the power of bloggers; inviting them to ‘dos’ that were previously restricted. This is great because I’ve always been inclined to believe what ‘real people’ think, rather than someone who’s job it is to review things. I fall into both categories but given a choice I’d much rather wear my blogger hat: what you read on my blog is me being me; not me working for someone else.

One of the things that land in my inbox as a writer and blogger, on a daily basis, is invitations to ‘press launches’. I don’t go to all of them, only things I’m genuinely interested in like trying out new lotions and potions. Last month I went to the Christmas Press Day for Kilpatrick PR, and decided to reveal what actually happens on a ‘press day’.

If only my beauty shelf was like this!

Kilpatrick specialise in beauty products and upon arrival (inside a glamorous central London townhouse) I was greeted by a huge long table stretching across the room and filled with exciting new products about to hit the shelves. 

Shame they weren't hot!

And because it was a Christmas launch there were plenty of mince pies to go around!

Seasonal pampering

As an Xmas gift there was also a selection of complimentary pampering treatments – none of which I needed, having recently got my eyebrows and nails done, and the ‘hair-up service’ wasn’t really for me as I don’t have a huge amount of hair! But what I did opt for was a 1-2-1 with a psychic. A strange lavender lady seated in the corner…she was dressed in ‘pale purple’ from head to toe so I knew I’d get on with her. I’m afraid I can’t reveal what she saw inside her virtual crystal ball, but she certainly instilled me with a confidence boost.

'Me time' treats

Then it was time to sample the new products. I tried things I’ve already heard of, like Champneys who have designed a huge number of gift sets, retailing from £10.  

New brands

Ones I’ve never seen before like Voya; a luxury Irish organic beauty brand. Their products are made from coastal ingredients like seaweed and are available in Selfridges, priced around £50.

Affordable stuff

Brilliant cheap and cheerful stuff that I’ve been won over by. 2 True cosmetics cost from £1.99 and are stocked in Superdrug. Don’t be put off by their pocket money price, they are pretty good quality. I’ve found that even their mascara (a handy travel size) is better than some pricier brands.

Posh stuff

And extortionately expensive products I will probably never own. Gazelli products come wrapped in pretty scarves and are only available in Harrods. Next week they are offering special facials inside Harrod's Retreat beauty parlour. 

Can't wait to try it!

My favourite discovery of the night was this amazing gelSpa Luxury Bath Soak, which you pour into a bathtub. The water turns into a huge vat of comforting jelly that you can relax in. It contains aromatherapy oils and tiny beads that exfoliate your skin as you lay back. A perfect addition to my Sunday Bath Ritual, the gel also retains the bath tub temperature four times as longer, giving you an excuse to stay in the bath tub for hours. Bliss! There are three types; Revive, Relax and Sooth and they are available in Boots for £9.99.

Goodies

An hour is a good time to spend at a press day then when you’re ready to leave, you’re presented with a goody bag containing samples. Hooray!

Lucky dip

As it was Christmas the lovely Kilpatrick girls had also organised a Christmas card lucky dip (some of the cards contained vouchers.)

Yay! I won!

Yippee! Inside mine was a £25 Ted Baker voucher. I’ve never been to a Ted  Baker store (though I love the smell of Ted Baker beauty products) so this winter in the sales, I shall be treating myself to a TB item.

To try & test

As for what was inside my goody bag… well I was really happy to get a pack of the spa jelly; I can’t wait to take a soak in it! I also got some dry shampoo from Trevor Sorbie, (perfect as mine had just run out), a natural face sponge that has been making me look more beautiful. I used to buy really rough face loofahs from Woolworths but these ones are soft and lovely and I now can’t wash my face without them! They are by Eco Tools and are derived from plant pulp. I highly recommend them. I also received a serum from luxury French brand Institut Eshederm that comes in a very shiny, bronze dispenser that I’ve been using on my face and so far, so good. The only trouble is you have to ‘pat’ and not ‘rub’ it in, which is difficult to remember! Also inside was some lovely Sweet Breath cinnamon tasting breath freshener, incredible 2 True ‘cracking nail varnish’ which gives you a leopard print effect on your nails in a few seconds, and some individual lashes which last a few weeks (as yet I’m too scared to try them out, but maybe one day?)

Revolution!

Best of all though…a light up lipstick…what an invention!!!  There’s really not a lot to say other than ingenious! The lippy by New CID Cosmetics comes in eight shades and costs about £12. It has a mirror and in-built light so you can say good bye to smudges, even inside a dark club! I’m sold!

So these are some of the lovely new beauty products to look for when you’re next out and about. I’m much more of a ‘read about them’, then ‘go to scary department stores and deal with shop assistants’ kind of girl, so if you are too, I hope this post was useful : )

First sign of wrinkles? : (

Lesser spotted me with no make-up!

So it has finally happened. With just over a month to go until I turn 31 I have joined the camp of women obsessed with lines and wrinkles and the fear of starting to look ‘old’. I took this snap on Monday, I know, I don’t look old, but on close inspection, my face is changing. Most visibly my neck.

For someone obsessed with cream from a young age (believe it or not, I have creams for my face, eyes, nose, hands, feet, body…but none for my neck!). I don’t know why, but I seemed to have ignored it most of my life. Then a couple of months ago I saw a photo of me where all of a sudden my neck had taken over; it was unrecognisable. I’ve never had a relationship with my neck, it’s normally covered by scarves and necklaces but there is was, speaking to me and it said ‘you need to start looking after me!’

Is my chin drooping?

So, I decided I would buy my first ever anti-ageing product. A HUGE step for anyone. I went to my local Boots and for about 10 minutes wondered up and down the ‘mature skin’ aisle. Until eventually a shop assistant came up to me and said ‘these creams aren’t for you, they are for older women’. And she pointed at the neighbouring aisle. So I turned around and said to her ‘but I’m 30.’ And she immediately said, ‘oh’ and then showed me how the range was split into creams for women who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s. So I was in the right aisle after all…

I came home empty handed. I couldn’t get my head around the concept let alone the product. I’m a strong, independent woman who doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her. I certainly don’t have any insecurities about people thinking I wear too much make-up (I love it!), at certain times of the month I could even pass as pregnant, but again I’m not bothered if someone things that. I am however affected by my own opinions of myself. So if I feel in anyway unhappy in how I look, it starts to reflect on other aspects of my life. And so I knew if I didn’t take action about how I was feeling about my neck, other parts of me may begin to suffer.

Rescue remedy

I settled for a well-known brand of a product that sounded like it was made for me: Elemis Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust. (Note the neck word.)

It is ‘clinically proven to reduce skin crepiness by up to 33% and increase firmness by up to 17%, which will minimise the signs of ageing for a more youthful looking neck.’ On first reading this made me laugh…I had never heard of the word crepiness (and yes it does so easily sound like creepiness!)

Nice bottle!

On second inspection I loved the bottle. It has a neat space-age look about it and I especially like the fact you can track how much you have left.

Here goes!

As for using it; I’ve been applying it twice a day for the last month. It smells very clean and creamy, possibly because it contains royal jelly; it also has that kind of yellowish colour. The instructions don’t say how much to use, so I’m not sure whether I should be applying a really thick layer or whether it’s more about the way you massage it in upwards. Certainly massaging in an upwards action is a good thing, and it worth doing with any cream being applied to this area.

For now, the results seem to be more ‘prevention’, than reduction. I mean there isn’t really anything to reduce. I am experiencing ‘the first signs of ageing’ and instinct is telling me I must act which is why I've taken this step. Luckily, I’m enjoying using the cream. It’s added a whole new dimension to my beauty routine and I feel like I'm finally giving my neck the attention it deserves, having neglected it for far too long.

 

Shop for Elemis anti-ageing products at www.timetospa.co.uk/Anti-Ageing (it beats wondering the scary beauty aisles of department stores!)