by Kiianah of Rockin’ it Napptural

Special thanks to: Black Girl Long Hair

There are many environmental factors that contribute to unhealthy hair. Heat, dry indoor air, hair dyes, shampoos, and styling products can lead to breakage, split ends, stunted growth, dry and brittle natural hair. A hair rinse is a very inexpensive way to treat and strengthen hair and scalp, and many ingredients can be found in your kitchen.

Herbal rinses can help with circulation in the scalp, aiding in the stimulation of the hair follicle which leads to hair growth. Some have the potential to help repair scalp disorders such as dandruff, itchy or flaky scalp and stunted hair growth.
Here are 7 of my favorite hair rinses:

1. Sage Hair Rinse — for Invigorating and Cleansing
Sage helps cleanse the hair of oil buildup and promotes healthier hair.

Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. dried sage (or 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves)
Pour the water over the sage and steep until cool. Remove (or strain) the sage and apply to freshly washed hair. Don’t forget to massage into your scalp!

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse — for Cleansing and Clarifying
If you haven’t tried an ACV rinse yet, you must be living under a rock! Okay, kidding but seriously the ACV rinse is one of the easiest and most popular hair rinses within the natural hair community. Click here to discover six apple cider vinegar rinse recipes.

3. Beer Hair Rinse — for Sheen, Body and Resilience
Once a month, you can use flat beer to rinse your hair. Yep, beer! Beer acts as a natural “setting lotion” and works great in adding vitality to hair when blow drying. The added sheen and body comes from the natural sugars and the B vitamins that are found in beer. You can try my Beer &Vinegar Green Tea hair recipe and see if you feel a difference in your hair.

4. Birch Leaf Hair Rinse — to Prevent Hair Loss, Maintain Scalp Health and Soften Hair
When used on a regular basis, the birch leaf rinse will help prevent hair loss and maintain the overall health of your hair and scalp. Birch leaf will also soften the hair and add sheen.

Recipe
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp dried birch leaves
Pour boiling water over birch leaves and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp. Caution: Consult your physician before using this rinse if you are allergic to wild carrot, mugwort, celery, and certain spices. Also know that birch leaf can darken hair over time.
5. Chamomile Hair Rinse — for Soothing and Healing the Scalp, Giving Hair Sheen
Chamomile has been used for centuries to add in relieving stress and restlessness at bedtime.  It is also great for soothing an itchy or sore scalp. It has also been said to heal scalp ailments such as dandruff, dry patches and eczema.

Recipe

2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. dried chamomile (or fresh chamomile if available)
Pour boiling water over chamomile and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp. Caution: Chamomile has been known to lighten hair.

6. Linden-Flower Hair Rinse — to Promote Healthy Hair Growth, and Strengthen Dry and Brittle Hair
Linden-flower is great if you’re dealing with dry, brittle hair as a result of over-dying or dying the hair too often. For hair that is severely damaged, linden-flower will aid in overly brittle hair. It also promotes circulation in the scalp and will help new hair grow in healthier.

Recipe


2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. linden flowers
Pour boiling water over linden flowers and steep until cool. Strain and pour over clean hair. Massage into scalp.

7. Lemon & Tea Tree Scalp Rinse — for Flaky Scalp and Excessive Dandruff
Lemons are very versatile and they can be used for so many things! Lemon juice is great for treating oily dandruff but be careful, using too much lemon juice can dry out your hair.  Caution: Lemon juice can lighten your hair, especially if you tend to play in the sun a lot.

Recipe
4 tbsp lemon juice (use real lemons!)
5 drops tea tree essential oil
3 cups hot water
Add 5 drops tea tree oil and 4 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 2 cups of hot water. Pour over hair and avoid getting into eyes. Massage into scalp and rinse out. Follow up with a clarifying conditioner.

What are some of your favorite hair rinses?
Kiianah is the creator of Rockin’ it Napptural, a vibrant natural hair, beauty and lifestyle blog which focuses on a simple approach to achieving healthy hair, skin and health. A natural-born writer with a glowing personality, she has a huge heart for rescue animals, big earrings and an obsession with dark chocolate.

Reference: The Complete Guide to Natural Healing

Straight Razor Shaving

Like most men, you probably hate shaving.  

But let's face it, everyone and we mean, EVERYONE loves our lovers skin smoothly shaven, above or below the belt!  You learned all about that in our manscaping article.  ;)

And for years, you've thought you hated it. It gives you a rash. And you don't like the smell of the cheap cans of drugstore shaving foam.

Let us tell you about a little shop downtown at the My Florist Center just down the street from where you work.



Salon D' Shayn has been renown for years in the Scottsdale valley for providing the best in haircuts, color, skincare (spa facials) and their famous Brazilian Wax.

Just one year ago this boutique salon voted #1 by Yelp!, 944 magazine, Haute Living and AZ Central for 3 years in a row, opened up it's second location in Downtown Phoenix.  What makes this place so special?


They have a full service men's barber.

Some of you might be familiar with the typical Phoenix barber scene where you can get a good clean shave and a fade, and even a free beer, but might leave with a few knicks or possibly some unnecessary roughness that can come from being "man" handled.



Here is what Brit's most faithful customer has to say: 

“Shaving has become a nice, sensory ritual,” Khademi says. “It smells good. It feels good. And my skin reacts well to it.” - Jayson Ali Khademi, Phoenix

He’s not alone.

For the past few decades, men have been sold the story that they need to use disposable and electric shavers because they’re easy. They’re safe. And they’re fast. Race-car fast. We’ve all seen the TV commercials: towel-clad handsome men drag disposable razors across their lather-covered faces, as if those pieces of coloured plastic hold the secret to true manliness. Sometimes there are race cars, too.

But lately, men are realizing a good shave is about more than cheap foam, plastic and fast cars. Sales of disposables are falling; according to The Economist, Schick, a prominent maker of disposable razors, is reporting a 10 per cent drop in sales this year, and Gillette’s figures are similar.

Instead, men are rediscovering the pleasures of the old-fashioned wet shave: safety razors, straight razors, fancy soaps and even fancier brushes.

The old-school gear is a throwback to a time when shaving wasn’t necessarily a chore. It was a manly sign of coming of age.

“Men have been told that shaving is a pain for so long,” says Knifewear owner Kevin Kent. “But I argue that, when done right, it’s meaningful ritual. It’s a moment of focus and self-indulgence in the morning. And it feels good.”

We can likely thank Hollywood for at least some of the resurgence. The suave Don Draper made it look pretty easy on the TV show Mad Men. (A little too easy, in fact. Who isn’t sort of surprised he still has his adam’s apple?)

Then there’s the sexy scene in Skyfall, where James Bond’s lover, straight razor in hand, takes care of his, uh, whiskers. “It’s all about trust,” reads one of the comments posted under the YouTube clip from the film.

Or money, depending what business you’re in. Kent says straight razor sales at his store skyrocketed 150 per cent after the film’s release.

On any given day, you’ll see men of all ages — pierced and tattooed twenty-somethings, hipster dads and grandpas — checking out the wooden cases and glass shelves laden with brushes, scuttles and soaps. (They even sell Ungarische Bartwichse, the Hungarian moustache wax used by the surrealist artist Salvador Dali.) There are sleek little gear stands, heavy leather strops and, of course, razors, both safety and straight.


Here is what you can expect from a straight razor shave . . . 

Brit McCulley, Barber and salon manager, takes you through her process.

It starts with a soothing beard oil that nourishes and softens the skin.  This is applied and massaged into the face to relax you and soften your coarse hair.

Once the oil has been absorbed into the hair and skin, a rich, hot lather is brushed gently using a soft bristle brush.

Next, Brit applies a steamy hot towel directly to the now softened, lathered, nice smelling hair to further relax you and open up the pores for an extreme close shave.

Another layer of Salon D' Shayn's nourishing hot lather is then brushed onto the hair and Brit begins the first of her famous two pass shave with her straight razor.

The first pass follows the direction of your hair which cuts as close as any quadruple bladed mach speed, electric or fancy shmancy razor you can find.

As if this shave wasn't close enough, she completes yet another pass against the grain leaving your skin smoother than you thought was possible.

Finally, since you're enjoying yourself so much, she gently applies a soothing aftershave and finally a cooling talc powder.

(She even throws in a free beer!)


Ready to give it a try?

Enter to win a complimentary straight razor shave on Salon D' Shayn's Facebook Fan Page
Look for the December Free Straight Razor Shave Contest

Rules:

You must "Like" Salon D' Shayn Phoenix Facebook fan page.

You must "Share" the post "Free Straight Razor Shave Contest" on your wall by December 23rd.

Winner will be announced on December 24th - just in time for Christmas.  You will receive a gift certificate entitling you or someone special to a Free straight razor shave redeemable at Salon D' Shayn downtown Phoenix location.  (Gift certificates may be left at reception for pick up.)

More interesting articles on do it yourself Straight Razor Shaving.

Manscaping Dos and Dont's

 

Manscaping Dos

Buy the right tools

A disposable razor and some shaving cream won’t cut it. The truth is, if you’re really covered in a carpet, you shouldn’t be shaving anyway. Instead, find an experienced waxing expert such as one of the expert Brazilian waxing experts at Salon D' Shayn.  These aestheticians have been removing body hair from men and women for years and know how to leave you smooth and natural.

Otherwise, grab an electric trimmer with a guard that has adjustable settings for length. The big brands have recently repackaged these gadgets specifically for manscaping activities, but they’re really just tried-and-true beard trimmers. That’s what you want.

Trim your chest

No one needs to see a tuft of tresses creeping over your shirt collar, or worse, a complete carpet at the beach. Use that electric trimmer to thin things down to a fairly uniform density. How low you go is a personal preference, but avoid pruning yourself into massive five o'clock shadow.

Clean up your underarms

There should be some hair there, but a full-on forest isn't recommended. Groom the grass down to a length slightly longer than the surrounding countryside. Ultimately, they should look like pits without looking like the pits.

Wax your back and shoulders

OK, OK. So McConaughey got this one right. There are places that should glide like a Slip 'n Slide — namely, your back and shoulders. Get them waxed by a professional every six weeks or so. If you're a member of the more hirsute set or prone to breakouts, look into laser hair removal.

Mow down the bush

You need to maintain your manhood, too. A little less lawn makes the tree appear taller. Make it look natural. Your manscaping efforts shouldn't look manufactured. Trimming your pubic hair into a triangle, for example, is a definite no-no. Bottom line: If it's too perfect, we'd file that as a fail.

Manscaping Don'ts

Use at-home waxes or sprays

DIY is fine for arts and crafts or caulking a tub. But when it comes to removing body hair with a drugstore depilatory, taking matters into your own hands will likely end in blood, sweat and a nasty rash.  Find an aesthetician we keep telling you about, but not just anyone, make sure this expert comes highly recommended and is experienced. 

Clean-shave your chest, arms or legs
 
Attempting to clear cut what God gave you isn't just wholly unnatural, but it can be incredibly uncomfortable and unsightly (think prickly patches with a healthy dose of razor burn). If you've been blessed with body hair, you should own it along with that electric trimmer we told you to buy.   If you must go clean, make sure you enlist the help of an aesthetician such as those experts at Salon D' Shayn.

Leave any defined lines

An artificial boundary of where hair ends and smooth skin begins isn't exactly attractive. This typically happens when one has elected to partake in an unapproved method of manscaping, like, say, clean-shaving a body part with a razor. Stick with a professional who does body waxing, and you'll never have to worry about doing this don't.

Forget about your backside

Most men's rears aren't exactly follicle free. Since we're serious supporters of a waxed back, you'll need to make sure (with the help of a mirror, yoga classes and that handy trimmer) that there isn't a heap of hair waiting below the waistline.

Go bare down there

You're a man, right? Feel free to tidy up the place (in fact, we highly recommend it), but please don't turn yourself into a prepubescent boy.

Sorting out your manscaping strategy shouldn't include a whole host of tools or an unhealthy desire to look like a second-rate stripper. All you really need is a professional aesthetician to do your waxing,  a beard trimmer and enough sense to know that hairless legs are for swimmers and 6-year-olds.


Salon D' Shayn's Brazilian waxing Queen and mother of manscaping, D'Lisa Shayn agrees for the most part.  But since she is the absolute best in town when it comes to Male Brazilian waxing, she does think that it is great when men manscape and believes that you should always get rid of the hair on your shaft, yes, that shaft.  But do not shave it!

That makes it quite prickly and that is no good for your lover whomever she or he may be. 
Most of my clients get my "Baseball" wax, which is the bat, the balls and the dugout. Yes the dugout is your backside! 

This is a better alternative for many men than going completely bare and it looks very natural. Not to mention you get rid of those pesky hairs on your shaft, trim down your bush and BOOM! you look bigger. I swear it is true.... come see me at Salon D' Shayn Scottsdale and Salon D' Shayn Phoenix and try it for yourself...

Vanessa Ripoyla - RAW Featured Artist 2013

 

It's already been one year!  Vanessa Ripoyla - hair stylist - Downtown Phoenix Hair Salon - Salon D' Shayn and winner of RAWards 2012 is up for this year's 5th annual RAWards!!!

Come show your support for Vanessa and support local artists in this year's 2013 RAW hair awards in Phoenix. 

Join our Facebook Event Here: 

(you may also get tickets directly from Vanessa)

Join Facebook Event

 

 

ABOUT

My name is Vanessa Ripoyla. I've been in the beauty industry for almost five years. Hair is my passion! Shaping, coloring, and styling. It is god's given tool to wear our personality on our heads :) My work so far has been pretty much helping people look as amazing as they feel!

---

INSPIRATIONS

I am inspired by other artists, my environment, and having the ability to put that into my art.

---

FAVORITE THING ABOUT RAW

It opens the gates to the underground artists.

---

MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND

Cupcakes.

Don't forget you can always book an appointment with Vanessa online!  Just visit our Phoenix Hair Salon Page. 

Are you in a Hair Cut Rut???

Knowing when it's time to make a change to your hair isn't always easy—if this article isn't speaking to you, maybe you know someone who never realized how outdated their looks were. 

Ask yourself these following questions:

1. Has it been more than five years since you rethought your style? Even the most classic look needs occasional tweaks.

2. Typically when you look in the mirror, do you love your hair? It seems like a simple question, but when life gets busy, it's easy to think, "Well, it's okay/fine/best I can do." Talk with a stylist about options you might like more.

3. Do you see your haircut—or anything remotely similar—in any current magazine? If your answer is no, except in a "before" photo, your style probably needs to be refreshed.

Vanessa Ripoyla of Salon D' Shayn's Downtown Phoenix hair salon shows off some of her recent work here.  She loves to experiment with new looks but prides herself in her ability to employ the edgiest of hair cuts perfectly to fit your face and personality. 

Being unique and natural are two extremes that Vanessa combines to give you a hair style new and exciting that you know you will love!

As always you can book your appointment online with Vanessa or on our website. 

Fun Fall Hair Styles by Lydia Martinez - Phoenix Hair Salon

Hair salons all over Phoenix trim your tresses in anticipation of every year's fall festivities.  Fall is finally here and it's time to think about your new look.

The hair stylists at Salon D' Shayn, Phoenix's newest boutique hair salon in Downtown Phoenix are setting a trend for wild, edgy and fun this year.

With two RAW hair artists on staff, a full service manicure and pedicure bar as well as multiple professional makeup artists on board, you will be camera, party or just Friday night ready in no time.
Take a look at some of the fun hair styles created by RAW hair artist Lydia Martinez this month!

 As always you may schedule your appointment with Lydia online HERE or by visiting us on OUR WEBSITE.