How To Get A Good Haircut

It’s the season of getting a fresh summer crop. The first and last time I went to a “hair cuttery” in a strip mall, I had zero communication and left the salon in tears. The important thing to consider before anything else is where are you at emotionally. (The “break-up bangs” is a real thing). How can you safeguard a manageable haircut that you can take care of at home?….

Know your hair texture…..

This is a biggie. There are styles that simply will not work on certain types of hair. It is a good idea to educate yourself on the true natural texture. This can also be helpful for when you purchase shampoo and other hair products.

Layers….

Ok, so layers can date your look in certain cases. Sometimes, layers make hair look thick and full while others resemble a “Karen.” Anyone playing it safe should stick with the simple face framing layers and that’s it, unless you are going for a mullet punky look.

Bring a photograph….

Let’s admit that we aren’t the best at communication. A stylist might misinterpret what you want and give you something completely different. No one wants to come off as bossy or a diva.

Are you sure you want bangs?….

(I am talking to myself, mostly). Bangs are hard to take care of and maintain. There are ways to get “the bang look” without actual bangs. You can get curtain bangs which are longer bangs that swoop to the side. It still gives you a Bridget Bardot effortless look.

Communicate your concerns to the stylist….

When you are getting a cut for warmer weather you actually don’t have to chop your hair off. There are solutions like cutting within the hair to make it less thick. Tell the stylist how often you blow-dry and how much styling you actually do.

Should you get a risky cut or style?….

This is a tough one. I have had pixie cuts and short styles before. I’ve got to be totally honest and say there are certain body types, ages, etc, that can pull off certain short styles. But on the flip side, I feel that older people should try out longer hair since it’s expected for older women to get the grandma-curly-pixie. Basically, people have preconceived feelings about hair styles. Sometimes, it can be liberating to go against conventional styles. It is really your call.

Men only like long straight hair?….

The advice over a decade ago was to keep hair long, straight, and plain. I honestly think as long as it looks feminine on you, then it is fine. I just saw a bartender with a buzz cut and she looked like a French model. My guy friend couldn’t take his eyes off her. Again, it comes down to bone structure and body type.

Bottom Line….

First step to a great cut is knowing yourself and your lifestyle. Is it realistic for you to do a full straight blowout every morning? Probably not. Your hair texture is your starting point to what type of cut will work best. You can take quizzes online and look through Pinterest to help visually see what works. This can also help with what type of shampoo and other products to use, and if you should be blowing drying your hair or letting it air dry. Most importantly is to bring a photo for the stylist. No matter how much you think you are communicating, it is always safer to show rather than tell. As far as taking a risk, this is your call. I would say short hair is the biggest risk since you cannot hide. Personally, I would not do it on a whim or after a breakup or major trauma. However, do what feels right for you.

The Date Night Perfume

Scent is the most popular Christmas gift for couples. This time of year it’s normal to peruse a Macy’s, hoping someone will give you a gift set. A perfect fragrance can be a signature for you and a core memory for whomever you date. However, when a scent is wrong, then it’s a disaster. When a man calls your perfume “cologne,” you know you messed up. How can you take a delicate approach to fragrance?….

Consider your base scent….

All your scents need to be in harmony. Make sure your deodorant isn’t running the show in a bad way. It is best to pick a scent you like best since it will be worn daily. Go with something subtle that will still keep you fresh.

Avoid musk….

When you see the word “musk” I personally would avoid it. It can work on certain people but frankly most men do not like it.

Go clean….

There are great subtle scents that are marked as “shower fresh,” “clean,” “water,” “cool.” Those types complement your soap and will be more pleasant.

Go flirty….

Keep in mind this is date night, so it’s needs an extra push. This doesn’t mean go bold; it should be a girly / sweet fragrance. Overall, it should NOT be overpowering, dark, moody, etc.

Beware of the “sexy” fragrance….

When in doubt go subtle. A great date fragrance is airy and light. You should apply it very lightly so it is not overpowering. Most “sexy” scents are very strong and loud. It is best to not get caught up in marketing. You don’t want to give your date a migraine.

Try before you buy….

It is always best to try on perfume and see if it meshes with your natural scent. Wait about 30 minutes and keep smelling it. You are seeing if the scent changes and how long lasting it is. Avoid the paper since you won’t know how the fragrance will work on your skin.

Bottom Line….

Anyone hunting for a new fragrance should consider taking it down a notch. Most people are sensitive to scents and you don’t want the fragrance to enter the room before you do. As far as skincare and haircare, purchase “fragrance free” products. As you age your skin can become sensitive to fragrance and it can irritate your skin. Choose wisely with deodorant scents. It is your base smell and everything else should complement it. Lastly, try before you buy. Take your time with a purchase and see if the fragrance complements your natural scent.

Pre-Date Rituals

Last year, I went on pretty much every date that I was invited to. I just wanted to get my feet wet and master the perfect first date. I was mainly collecting data on what works and what doesn’t. I have found the most important part of the date is the “pre-date.” The pre-date rituals are very important in how smoothly the actual date will go. It’s a good idea to be in a right frame of mind. Your energy and vibe are probably the most important thing for a first date; when you are in a good mood, it shows. It also opens you up for a good conversation and connection. If you are feeling rushed and frazzled, it will be a wasted opportunity…..

What is the routine?….

Make sure you are shower fresh – A nice perfume is the cherry-on-top.
If you need to wash your hair, give it plenty of time to style – Men usually like hair to be down. If it’s a 100 degrees outside, I just don’t care and have to style my hair up, but I try to make it look intentional by wearing large earrings.
Give yourself plenty of time to apply makeup – Try to go more glam. I know it can be scary for you if you lean more toward natural. Go bold, wear a lipstick. This is the time to do it.
It may take a few times to get an outfit to work – You might not get it right on the first try. My favorite type of outfit is something casual with a fancy edge. I don’t recommend a tight, short dress with 5-inch heels. Although speaking of shoes, a nice feminine boot or maybe something with a block heel works well. Always be prepared to walk, you never know if a spontaneous romantic stroll will happen.

Get into the right mood….

Being in the right mood is everything. You have to get into the zone. First impressions will make or break a date, and it will show if you are annoyed or in a sour mood. Before you leave the house or even when parked in your car, listen to a meditation on your phone, call a super-positive friend, watch a funny YouTube video, etc.

Why a “pre-date” is a good idea….

Once you are dressed and ready, give yourself a 45-minute grace period to get to a bar or coffee shop near your date location. Use this time to settle in, get a drink, and answer any texts or emails. During the date, your phone should remain in your purse on silent.

Be a little late…

During this grace period, it’s a good idea to go to the bathroom, reapply perfume, and freshen your breath. Then wait on the text from your date saying he is there. It’s a good idea to be a few minutes late, which is why it’s best to be nearby and walk over to the date location. It shows you are busy and makes you look less eager. At this point, you should be relaxed and ready for the date.

Bottom Line…

It’s normal to feel nervous before a date. I used to have legit panic attacks in the car on the way there. Having a routine really helps you feel in control of the situation and gives yourself time to get into the right frame of mind. The getting-ready process at home is a part of the date; sometimes it’s the best part! Have fun, listen to music, laugh. Another way to get centered before a date is to meditate and do yoga. It can really help balance out nervous energy.

The Romance Of Scent

Memory is attached to our sense of smell. When I get a whiff of Axe body spray, I am reminded of my high school boyfriend. It’s powerful and can leave a huge impact. I have heard of men spraying his girlfriend’s perfume on his pillow when she is out of town. Romance and scent go hand in hand and it’s never a bad idea to be memorable….

Scent is broken down into categories….

I used to work in the fragrance department at Macy’s. I learned that scents are put into different categories, called “notes” : Fresh, sweet, woody, floral, and oriental. So, that’s a good place to start to see what type you prefer.

What is a signature scent?….

A signature scent is a fragrance you wear all the time, for years even. It might be the only perfume you have in your bathroom. This is what is going to make your scent more memorable instead of switching scents every day. If you find a perfume you adore wear it!

Perfumes can be seasonal….

It’s not a requirement that you have a signature scent. If you choose, you can change it up every season. In the fall / wintertime, it’s nice to wear deeper scents such as ones that have oriental or woody notes. In the spring /summer, wearing lighter airier scent seems more appropriate.

Your taste can change….

I used to love vanilla and super-sweet scents. This made total sense because I was young. There is such as thing as a young scent and a more mature scent. Nowadays, I really love a very clean “just showered” fragrance. Sometimes changing a scent can switch up your mindset or identity

Your sister or friend’s perfume might smell different on you….

Each person has a unique natural scent. Certain perfumes will smell different on each person.

There are certain points on the body to spray...

Once it hits these points, the fragrance lasts longer. These points include : The wrists, the inside of the arm, the neck, and the back of the knee. I would probably avoid the wrists since you will be washing it away with soap throughout the day. If the scent is super strong, then spray it in the air, wait a moment then walk though.

Perfume is a romantic gift….

If a man gives you perfume as a gift, it can be great. When you wear it you will think of him. Hopefully, he bought you something nice and not a body spray from Walmart. The downside is if you break up and you still have the perfume and it wasn’t cheap. In this case, I would re-gift it to a friend or sister.

Bottom Line…..

Choosing the right scent depends on your preference and your natural body chemistry. I actually just bought a perfume from TJ Max for only $12 back in December . Yet I couldn’t test it out. As long as you know the notes and what type of perfume you want you can be more confident buying it online. You don’t have to commit to a perfume for the rest of your life. But if you are obsessed with a certain fragrance, then why not? If you are less committal then changing up your scent seasonally is a great idea.