How Design Essentials Works for Natural Hair (short style tutorial)

The Design Essentials line of products are the top echelon of hair care. This is why All Dolled Up uses them in our salons, on our own clients. It is key, however, that clients continue to care for their hair at home between visits. The best way to do this is to use the same high-quality products that salons use. Check out this fast video review of the Design Essentials Naturals line of products. It even shows you a cute wash-n-go style if you have a short, tapered cut.

You can find every single product used in the video, and more, in our online shop. It will be delivered to your door for added convenience. Your hair deserves nothing but the best!

Have You Been Thinking About Crochet Braids?

 By now, you must have heard about the latest salon craze, crochet braids (sometimes called tree braids). In a nutshell, they are a great protective style that can last you well over a month if cared for properly. The stylist will cornrow your hair, and then extensions of your choice are "crocheted" into the braids using a latch hook or other tool. But are crochet braids for you? Let's weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of Crochet Braids:

• Protective style saves your hair from excessive manipulation and exposure to elements.
• Can be done in any texture: curly, straight, twists, etc. (It's all up to the quality of hair used.)
• Can be cut to any length.
• Can be installed in any length of hair.
• Can be styled virtually anyway you want.
• Don't require a lot of expensive hair products to maintain.
• Offer easy access to the scalp for moisturizing and conditioning.
• Can be installed in any color, no need to blend with your own hair. (Though a leave out is optional.)
• Styling is as easy as shake and go!
• Allows your scalp to BREATHE. (Healthy hair is always #1.)

Cons of Crochet Braids:

• Can look very unnatural if not trimmed after installing.
• Can appear clumpy if the base braids are sloppy.
• Can itch if not cleaned periodically.

So now that you've considered these important points, it's time to think about another equally important key to the success of your style. Of course, I'm talking about maintenance. A stylist can make your hair look incredible, but if you go jump into a pool after leaving the salon, don't expect your fresh style to survive. Here is a great video full of tips to help you get the most longevity out of your crochet braids.

Here are 5 FAST Updos You can do on Natural Hair

It's Summer. That means it's time for BBQs, night's on the town, and parties! Now you can't just show up to a party looking like any old thang, right? It's time for an updo! And contrary to popular belief, updos DO NOT have to be difficult. You can be cute in less than 10 minutes with any of the styles here!

I guess I should've warned that the background music can get catchy. Now grab your Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb and some bobby pins and get to work! Which style is your favorite? Our favorite is number 3, the Braided Side-Bun Updo.

Learn from the Best! Angela Christine is Coming to Fort Lauderdale!!

If you are a stylist in today's industry, you know that your success depends not only on your experience, but on your ability to stay aware and skilled in current trends and techniques. Professional development is key to maintaining a happy clientele. There is a professional development and networking opportunity coming to Fort Lauderdale that you absolutely should NOT miss! Angela Christine, of LA Hair fame, is bringing her workshop to the Westin Hotel on July 20th. That's only 2 weeks away!
Angela Christine Stevens is a Chicago native currently working at the world-famous Kimble Hair Studio in Los Angeles, California. She has studied cosmetology as far away as Italy and successfully competed all over. Angela originally built her clientele in the challenging Chicago market; where she developed a reputation for giving clients natural looking and long lasting extensions.
After spending time travelling the country to offer workshops and work at tradeshows, she moved to LA to further her skills. Kimble Hair Studio offered the incredible opportunity to work with and for the Hollywood elite, and Angela worked directly for Kimberly Kimble. With a front row seat to see all the new hair techniques and trends, Angela successfully services a full clientele in Los Angeles as well as Chicago.

Angela is bringing all of her experience here to Ft. Lauderdale to do a one day workshop and luncheon that no professional or future stylist should miss. Go here for more information, and we hope to see you on July 20th!!