Category Archives: HAIR

Virgo Salon: My Fave DTLA Hair Spot For Cuts, Cezanne and Now THIS!

October 13, 2024

If you haven’t yet heard of Virgo Salon in the heart of DTLA’s Arts District, (here is my Cezanne Keratin Treatment experience!) you’re missing out on a haircare gem. I recently had the chance to visit this texture-focused haven for a dry cut with Ashley, and the experience was everything I could have hoped for—and more. Not only is Virgo dedicated to celebrating all hair textures, from straight to kinky/coily, but they’ve just added a luxurious Japanese Hair Spa service that will transform your hair routine in the most nourishing way possible. More on this soon!

First off – check out the $99 Dry Cut Special all OCT. This is a no-brainer for a quick Fall refresh.

First things first—Ashley is a magician when it comes to cutting hair. Dry cuts are an art form in themselves, and if you’ve never had one, you need to. The beauty of a dry cut is that it allows the stylist to see your hair’s natural texture and shape, making it perfect for anyone looking to enhance or celebrate what’s naturally theirs. Whether you have curls, waves, or pin-straight locks, Ashley tailors the cut to your specific needs. She carefully shapes the hair in its natural state, giving me the most personalized, flattering shape I’ve ever had. No surprises when it’s dry—just perfectly sculpted hair that looks effortlessly chic.

The fabulous Ashley

What sets Virgo apart is not just their expertise with all hair textures but their philosophy of embracing what’s naturally yours or transforming it with intention. Created by celebrity stylist and former Vidal Sassoon educator Mateo Jon, Virgo Salon is a sanctuary where people can rediscover or reinvent their relationship with their hair. Whether you’re seeking a natural look or ready for a transformative treatment like a healthy perm or relaxing treatment, you’re in trusted hands.

I love that Virgo also educates its clients on the best ways to care for and maintain their hair. Ashley gave me a rundown of styling techniques and introduced me to products that are tailored to my hair type—nothing overwhelming, just easy tips to keep my hair looking great between visits.

One of my favorite things about Virgo Salon is their commitment to using clean, sustainable products. Their “Farm-to-Chair” approach means every product they use is plant-based, organic, and often vegan, ensuring that what you’re putting on your hair is both kind to you and the planet. From their non-toxic keratin treatments to their organic color services, you can trust that your hair is being treated with the utmost care.

AND NOW OMG! Introducing Japanese Hair Spa Services

As if Virgo Salon wasn’t already the ultimate destination for textured hair care, they’ve recently added a Japanese Hair Spa service that promises to take your hair wellness to new heights. Imagine a facial—but for your scalp and hair. The service deeply cleanses and detoxifies your scalp, while nourishing your strands with the highest quality products straight from Japan. It’s the ultimate reset for dry, damaged, or stressed-out hair. After one session, you’ll leave with your scalp feeling revitalized and your hair incredibly soft, shiny, and healthy. I can’t wait to try this service on my next visit!

The Bottom Line: Your Hair, Elevated

If you’re looking to take your hair to the next level—whether through a transformative cut, a deep conditioning treatment, or just the best products for your unique texture—Virgo Salon is the place to be. With over 15 years of experience, their stylists are truly dedicated to helping you achieve your hair goals, while also teaching you how to care for it long-term.

And now with the addition of their Japanese Hair Spa service, your hair wellness routine just got a major upgrade. So, if you’re in the Arts District or anywhere in LA, make your way to Virgo Salon for an unforgettable hair experience. Trust me—you’ll leave feeling renewed, refreshed, and ready to embrace the best version of your hair.

VIRGO SALON

(323) 332-2200
513 Molino St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

BEAUTYOLOGIE’S ONLINE MARKETPLACE WILL TAKE YOU ON AN ETHICALLY SOURCED GLOBETROTTING JOURNEY 

March 6, 2024

why shopIt’s wild to me that Gen Alphas are treasure-hunting Sephora stores seeking Hyaluronic Acid and anything that will prevent wrinkles on their prepubescent faces. While I appreciate their intention for self-care, I wish they’d be more thoughtful about where all their empties will end up or where their products came from in the first place. So it was incredibly refreshing to me when I learned about Robin Doyle’s online beauty marketplace, Beautyologie. Robin and I go back way before Covid times, when I was consumed in the editorial world and she was on the PR side of some amazing beauty brands and projects. 

Beautyologie is not your typical etailer hocking the latest viral Tik Tok trends. It’s a highly curated collection of 50+ beauty brands from all corners of the earth that actually give a shit about the world. Robin draws from 25 years of beauty industry experience as a writer and PR agency owner (Charmed PR). She confesses her idea to create a beauty marketplace for brands using the industry as a vehicle for soclal good came from working with clients who founded the fair trade beauty brands Shea Yeleen and Silktage. Both have been on her site since day one. 

“Once I realized that these women weren’t just making skin care products for the hell of it, but they were doing it to help the ingredient producers in places like Ghana and Morocco make a living and pay for books and food for their kids, I thought, there is so much more good that could come out of the beauty industry if people just paid attention,” she says. 

She also took a trip to India right before the pandemic which transformed her outlook on the consumer industry. Witnessing firsthand how western shopping behavior affects a developing country, she felt incredible guilt for the 20+ years she spent in PR pushing the promotion and sale of endless beauty and accessory items. 

So many of the ingredients that go into our beauty products are farmed and tended to just like the food we eat. Much of them come from the global south and are produced, not always in the best conditions by people who are not always treated or paid fairly. This topic is covered extensively on Robin’s site as well as highilghting where brands are from. In browsing the Countries tab, I can find beauty from Bangladesh to Zambia. 

What I found myself going down a rabbit hole was the Ingredient Checker, a comprehensive guide to all the ingredients used in the products she offers. “I believe that everyone deserves to know exactly what’s in their beauty products and where those ingredients come from,” she explains. 

That’s not to say you will only find crunchy Shea Butter and Argan Oil brands here. A self-admitted beauty snob, Robin looks for efficacious formulas that blend science with ethically sourced ingredients too (Moon Beings Skincare), or Zero-Waste brands (Parrotfish and Axiology). Gorgeous hair accessories and cosmetic bags from India and Guatemala are available too.

Robin dreams of opening her own beauty boutique one day, but rent in LA is ridiculous so she’s created a work around with a collections of Pop-Ups, her largest in the Valley Salt Cave in Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd. which I plan to visit soon. I love a good Salt Cave, and I hear this one does Tarot Card Sound Baths…ahhh. 

A beauty aficionado myself, I am drooling over some of the products I found on Beautyologie that I’ve never heard of before. Here’s a sampling of my faves from above:

ABHATI Suisse Chambral Sacred Hair Oil – a rich, golden, healthy growth-encouraging blend of ayurvedic botanicals and Indian oils including Himalayan Wild Cherry Oil. 

Amazonian Skinfood Magic Wand: All-in-One Gentle Face Cleasner:  a travel-ready solid face cleansing stick made with Acai, Passion Fruit and Yerba Mate. 

Odylique Mineral Lipstick in Praline – it’s the perfect taupe / nude shade you dream about and it contains Fair Trade Certified Shea Butter. 

Violet Botanical Egyptian Marula Oil – Sourced from Botswana, the texture says it is lightweight and non-greasy. I just want the gorgeous blue glass bottle to have a permanent residence on my vanity. 

Nourishe Supreme Rose Invigoratin Cream – Infused with nine different types of organic roses, and Ayuvvedic herbs. The nutrients of 37 plants create this velvety cream.

Katari Beauty Argil Mediterranean Green Clay Facial Masque – Mined from the Atlas Mountains in Africa, the mineral-rich green clay helps clear acne-prone skin. Housed in a glass bottle with a cork topper. 

Use GROOMED15 for 15% off orders $50 or more. 

CEZANNE: The Toxin-Free Hair Smoothing System You’ve Been Waiting For

August 20, 2023

  This weekend I finally tried Cezanne!

The first-of-its-kind, in-salon keratin treatment that delivers five-star, frizz-free results that last up to five months made with ZERO formaldehyde. Also hypo-allergenic, dermatologist-tested, free of sulfates, parabens, sodium, phthalates, and gluten.

Let’s just say, I couldn’t wait for this. We all know by now how toxic the old ways of straightening and smoothing are. The process was so easy – and zero anxiety about breathing in noxious fumes! (Because – NONE). I loved my stylist, the salon and the outcome. Is there such a thing as ten stars?!

Cezanne is like no other keratin treatment on the market. One of the standout features of the Cezanne Keratin Treatment is its versatility. No downtime.  This means that after the treatment, you can still enjoy the flexibility of wearing your hair straight or allowing it to air-dry with a more relaxed wave. You can wash your hair, swim, etc., right away, and the treatment won’t weaken the hair follicle over time the way similar options might. Another amazing thing as the others have a whole post-regime that is a real pain for me as I am a trainer and sweat daily.

Also, unlike some other keratin treatments, it doesn’t completely straighten the hair or create a stiff, unnatural look. Instead, it aims to retain the hair’s natural texture while enhancing its overall appearance and making it more manageable.

As with any hair treatment, it is essential to consult with a professional stylist who is experienced in applying the Cezanne Keratin Treatment. They can assess your hair type and condition, discuss your desired results, and provide aftercare recommendations to help you maintain the benefits of the treatment. That being said – I headed to the texture-specific salon, organic, plant-based salon VIRGO (omg obsessed!!!) in DTLA, for my treatment. Cutest. Place. EVER.

More about Cezanne:

Benefits:

·       Reveal smooth, frizz-free, and manageable hair

·       Long-lasting results that improve with time

·       No formaldehyde or harsh chemicals

·       Safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair

·       Restores and strengthens hair from within

·       Reduces blow-dry and styling time by 30%

·       Retains natural volume and movement

·       Provides a radiant, healthy shine

Besides the professional treatment itself, Cezanne offers 8 different consumer-based products that’ll help maintain the life of the treatment including: The Ultimate Blonde Shampoo, Ultimate Blonde Conditioner, Perfect Moisture Shampoo, Perfect Moisture Conditioner, Clarifying Shampoo, Leave-In Perfector Spray, Silky Nourishing Oil and the Perfect Blowout & Smoothing Crème – all available on cezanne-hair.com.

And some more Cezanne non-toxic keratin:

Cezanne Keratin Treatment is designed to transform frizzy or unruly hair into smooth, manageable locks. Named after the renowned French Post- Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne, this treatment seeks sleek, smooth results and long-lasting results.

The Cezanne Keratin Treatment is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients and advanced technology. Unlike traditional keratin treatments, it is free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, making it a safer and gentler option for your hair. The primary active ingredient is Sericin, a protein derived from silk that helps to repair and strengthen the hair cuticles while locking in moisture.

The treatment process typically starts with a thorough cleansing of the hair to remove any product buildup and impurities. Afterward, the Cezanne Keratin Treatment is carefully applied to the hair, section by section. The product is then left on the hair for a specific period to allow the keratin and other ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft and work their magic. Once the processing time is complete, the hair is blow-dried and flat-ironed to seal in the treatment.

The results of the Cezanne Keratin Treatment can vary depending on the hair type and texture, but in general, you can expect to enjoy silky hydrated hair, air dries smoother,shinier, and more manageable hair for an extended period, usually around three to five months. The treatment helps to reduce frizz, tame unruly curls, hydrate and smooth greys and cut down on styling time, making it an excellent option for those with busy lifestyles.

Stylist : Ashanti Brigham – Texture Specialist. A DOLL!!! 

 Website: ilovevirgo.com

Phone Number: 323.332.2200

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 9-5 (by appointment only)

Address is 513 Molino St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Scalp Therapy: Unleashing the Power of Redensyl® with the Philip B. Scalp Booster Serum

March 4, 2023

The Philip B. Scalp Booster Serum is a game-changer and especially for anyone experiencing any thinning, hair loss or hormonal hair issues.

This advanced pre-wash serum is designed to improve the look of density, coverage, and volume in your hair, so you can say goodbye to shedding and hello to fuller-looking locks. And the secret ingredient? 3% Redensyl®.

Redensyl® is a miracle worker. Truly a revolutionary ingredient that has been clinically proven to thicken and strengthen hair. In a clinical trial, 71% of participants saw their hair take on a thicker look and feel after just three months of use. And that’s not all. The serum also contains a special delivery system that creates a warming sensation to ensure the Redensyl® penetrates your scalp for maximum effectiveness.

The serum utilizes a specialized delivery system to ensure that the Redensyl® penetrates the scalp for maximum efficacy. The system is a plant-based compound that creates a warming sensation, which helps to increase blood flow to the scalp and enhance the absorption of the active ingredients.

But wait, there’s more! The formula also includes Salicylic Acid, an exfoliant that helps break down the barrier coating on your scalp, and Citrus Extracts that help solubilize sebum. Translation: it helps keep your scalp healthy and happy. And let’s be real, a happy scalp equals happy hair.

But the best part? This luxurious formula pampers your scalp and your senses. The warming sensation feels like a spa treatment, and the scent is absolutely divine. It’s like a day at the salon, but in the comfort of your own home.

In addition, the formula contains Salicylic Acid, an exfoliant that helps to break down the barrier coating on the scalp, and Citrus Extracts that help to solubilize sebum. This combination of ingredients supports a healthy scalp, which is essential for strong and resilient hair.

Philip B. Scalp Booster Serum is a scientifically advanced and clinically proven hair care product that offers a unique combination of active ingredients and a luxurious sensory experience. Its use can lead to healthier, fuller, and more beautiful hair.

Buy it here

The Booster System This is the place the start introducing the Scalp Booster into your world (and yes Philip B. is a world and once you are in, you never want to leave).

Bur Bur, The Botanical Hair Treatment That’s Turning Heads

November 21, 2022

BUR BUR is a woman-owned beauty company that was founded because they wanted to create not only a good look but also a feel-good product. I started drenching my over-dyed, bleached hair in this gorgeous oil a couple of weeks ago and it’s already showing some major restoration. Now, mind you, you do NOT need to drench your hair as I do. I just love an oily ponytail, knowing that while I’m on a hike or working out, my hair is soaking up incredible botanical nutrients.

What is the Burdock plant you ask? It is a powerful botanical that was used for generations for hair wellness and was an inspiration and a foundation for BUR BUR’s formula which consists of Burdock Oil from the plant. It is very dear to them because it comes from their heritage. They are excited to introduce their unique formula to you.  Self-care is a fun and amazing way to get to know oneself and BUR BUR would love to join you on this journey, especially during the holiday season.

Their promise is that all BUR BUR products are and always will be natural, non-toxic, and very effective for your hair and scalp. Every single ingredient in their hair oil is there for a reason. They do not add any chemicals or perfumes. And this will never change. BUR BUR will easily fit into your beauty and wellness routine to help you achieve the best hair results!

BUR BUR can be found on their website as well as Urban Outfitters online.

Follow along with BUR BUR on social media, @burburcare.