BAMhair

Hair by Bree in the 303

[bamhair]

Getting Married & Not Settling Down

I love the evolution of an idea. For my husband and I, the thought was born the morning after our engagement.

"Let's get married in October," he said to me.

I could not quite answer him immediately, because October was only six months away, and every girl knows that a wedding involves a slew of details that seems to far exceed the time limit of a half-year.  

The source of his opinion on a short engagement was something we both knew we always wanted to do: Travel. When that became apparent, I was immediately on board (whether it be plane, ship, car, or anything!) Trevor and I had already created lifestyles of lucrative careers and flexibility (taking off as much as a month at a time to road-trip, travel, and discover), but we had not yet committed to something more long-term and even more foreign.

So, the idea had been seeded, and then it began to grow. My loyalty to my clients, passion for my art, and worry of logistics were a few of my personal speed bumps along the way. It seemed that most of my girls were super supportive and excited for me and my future husband, but the one thing that weighed heavy on me was abandoning the business that I was so proud of. 

I dug deeper to come up with a solution to evolve my brand but still remain relevant, and after playing with a number of strange ideas I finally landed on one: Beauty Across the Map, or BAM. My initials remained the same after marriage, and even better than that, they could be an acronym consistent with my biggest passions...

And so, 2017 will be a year of transition for my hair business.

It will be the year where beauty will become a true, kindred spirit, unearthing secrets from far-out places.

And, of course, it will be a year where I truly let my hair down and not settle down...

Please follow my adventures as I bring Beauty Across the Map to you. -XOX BAM

[bamhair]

Growing for the Wedding

Ok! So I was completely late for the beauty bus when it came time to prepare for my wedding. Trevor and I had a seven month engagement, and I didn't decide to get serious about my hair until around four months out. I have put myself through hair-hell for the last eight years of my life, and it took me getting engaged to start practicing what I preach. Below, you will see what I included in my daily hair-habits as well as some fun tips to add to your routine. Enjoy! 

I take quite a few vitamins per day and can sometimes be inconsistent about what I take, but my desperation for long hair kicked in and I started taking two of these babies every morning. I talked to my OBGYN about prenatal vitamins, and she said that they are loaded with nutrients and iron, however, you can overdo the iron, so you must be careful. Biotin is a safe bet! 

Oh, yes. These gooey little drops might make you gag a little, but a dear client of mine shared her secret with me, and Biosil is amazing! You can opt to take five drops twice per day, or do what I do, and guzzle ten drops in a shot glass of juice every morning. I swear this is the best kept secret. Not only did I notice my hair growing in about a month, but I kept getting asked if my eyelashes were real or not. (It's good for your joints too!) Biosil is easy to find on Amazon, and you get to slurping this stuff up in no time.

Last but not least is Viviscal. I picked this up a few months back from the beauty supply, and it claims to help grow new hair if you have experienced some hair loss. The pills smell (and taste if you leave it in your mouth too long) a bit like dog food, but it has isolated protein molecules that help your hair grow from within. I took two daily, to help my hair grow more during the anagen phase cycle of hair growth. Each of your hairs will typically grow for two to five years during this first phase, so it's important to help those little guys out as much as possible! 

To add to my internal regimen, I also took an outward approach. Because Colorado is so dry, every time I washed my hair I used an intense moisture masque in place of my conditioner. I was finding that my ends were drying up between washes, so this definitely helped hold them over. I also tried to let my hair air dry on wash days. We all know that the less heat you can use, the better. And the last and final attempt to make that mane magical was to not color or cut my hair for an entire ten months. Most of my clients cut their hair once or twice per year, and I am convinced that that is all you need if you want to wear your hair long!

After an intense four months of hair love, I think I am set to walk down the aisle. I hope that this helps all my hair lovers out there, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for my wedding photos! I will be keeping you all updated! 

XOX- BAM

[bamhair]

Feeling Fall

Fall is here, and it is my absolute favorite time of year. There could be two very distinct reasons why I feel more alive in the fall then I do the rest of the year: First, I was born in October, so I always have another year of life to celebrate. And second, this season is all about change (and I must say that change totally turns me on.)  

This fall is special for me, though,  because just a few days after I turn twenty-eight, I will marry my love, making this season even more exceptional for me for the entirety of my life. 

I am typically changing my hair color consistently, however, I have not colored or cut my hair since January, and I don't plan on doing so until a couple weeks before I walk down the aisle. Even stranger than that, I don't plan on coloring my hair again for over a year after I become the "Mrs." 

I'm sure it may seem incredibly strange that a professional hair painter would contradict herself in the way of not even keeping her own hair color up-to-date and changing with the seasons, but there is a big and crazy reason for all of this: I want my hair to grow. 

If you were to sit in my salon space and observe my daily clients, you would notice a couple of things: One, I haven't seen most of my clients more than twice for the entire year, and two, the majority of them have super long hair. This is all because I tell most of them that I want to see them bi-seasonally, and it all comes down to my theory: "Get your hair done less, and your hair will grow more." I believe that you should change with the seasons, but you should skip a season now and then and give that hair a breather. Let winter be a time of hair-hibernation and instead of spending time in a salon, spend time in front of the fire with a moisturizing masque on your hair and a cup of something seasonally delicious. 

Good color should grow out well, making it easier to embrace the look as the seasons change. I will be posting again next week once my hair has been colored so that you all can see my before and after photos and get the down-low of my hair regimen for this wedding of mine! Stay Tuned! 

XOX-BAM

Necklace and Dress by Free People  Click Here

[bamhair]

My Bridal Beauty Breakdown

The morning after my fiancé proposed to me, I was woken up to sweet kisses and him telling me that we should start looking at venues, because he wanted to get married in October (a mere six and a half months from our engagement.) Of course, any girl would be happy to have a man that was that excited to marry her, but my mind (and the hairstylist within me) immediately went into a panic thinking about my hair. 

Being a hairstylist, I must admit, I have been hard on my own locks. Boredom and the constant access to new products in the industry makes messing with your own hair too hard to resist. Also, being a hair-obsessed chick, I had always imagined having mermaid hair for my wedding. 

So, now what to do now? My hair seemed to be stuck in this just-above-the-boob no-man's land for a couple of years now, and some major changes HAD to be made. Below is my current bridal hair boot camp! I will be doing a follow-up blog right before the big day to show you all of my progress!

1. Less heat, less washing. I have opted to wash my hair every 2-3 days (I am using a moisture masque as a conditioner EVERY time), and I am not blow drying my hair at all. I am either embracing my natural wave, or going in and adding some more uniform curls with a flat iron for a more polished look. 

2. Vitamins! I am currently taking 500mg of biotin every day, along with fish oil, b12, a women's probiotic, and drinking ten drops of Biosil (which is a liquid form of collagen).

3. No coloring whatsoever! Back in January, I had my lovely assistant Britt paint some very gradient and tiny highlights to connect my blonde hair to my dark roots. I have vowed to embrace the grow-out and not touch my hair with color until right before the wedding. I think limiting hair-stress will be key. 

4. No cutting whatsoever! My hair is not breaking off, frayed, or overly processed, so trims are completely unnecessary. I want optimum length on my big day, and trimming it regularly would definitely stunt the process.  

5. No tight pony's, headbands, or messy buns! I had a serious mishap about six months ago where I wore a tight headband that had a knot in it for an entire busy day of work, and once I had removed it, I had a bump on my head where the knot was (right smack dab in the middle of the front of my hairline). The bump scabbed for some reason and the hair fell out in that spot! I am literally growing out this little spot of hair because of a dumb headband! Braids are the way to go girls! Don't kink and break your hair with headbands and hair bands!  

​

I have found that growing out your hair, for the majority of the population of my clients, tends to be really hard. I hope that in 3.5 months from now, I can follow you all up with some positive results from this hair journey of mine! ​

Xox- BAM​

[bamhair]

Industry Rebel

I would never consider myself a seasoned veteran of the beauty industry by any means, however, I do feel that I have seen and experienced a great variety of insight within my field (thanks to many years of trudging through the hair world in celebrity-dense West Hollywood).

Let's be real: Hair stylists are taught by the big companies in the industry on how to educate their clients in order to be more profitable. This is a business, after all. 

Without a doubt, the best interest of the client's hair is the most important factor, and providing a good end result will definitely secure the stylist's success. However, my personal experiences have led me to be a rebel of the industry in some aspects. I do not believe that a lot of the typical teachings and remedies that your hair guru insists on are necessary, so I have decided to give you my contradicting advice in order to have long, sexy, healthy hair.

-The Myth: You need to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks in order for it to grow.

-My Truth: I would love to meet a girl with extremely long hair that does not have a single split end. These instructions are based on the idea that if your hair splits, it will break off and you will not be able to grow it out.  If you get a trim as often as most stylists instruct (every 6-8 weeks), your hair will never have the chance to grow, and you will consistently stay at that mid-length limbo while paying for a cut every two months. Most of my clients have considerably long hair, and guess what? They have a healthy trim 1-2 times per year!

-The Myth: You need to buy all of these glittery, expensive products.

-My Truth: I have been around the block holding hands with a huge range of expensive products that promise you a magical and costly relationship. Although I do believe that some products could possibly do damage to your hair, especially if wrongly prescribed, I can pretty much guarantee that there is not a $150 conditioner that will fix all of your hair woes. I love an organic, low-cost, common sense approach. Treat your hair like your own skin. How do you prevent wrinkles? Moisture. How do you prevent breakage and splits? Moisture. There are so many lovely oils and remedies hanging out in your kitchen cabinets that will cost you nothing in comparison to salon products full of fake crud. Check them out, google them, and have some fun!

The Myth: Highlights are high maintenance.

My Truth: It is completely the opposite of that. Again, my inner hippie opts for the natural approach. My hand-painted, balayage highlights are the kind that you grow into, not grow out of. As always, I have my clients describe to me what their hair would look like if they were stuck on an island all of their life. Naturally, the new hair at your root would be dark, while the fine hairs around your face and the old hair throughout would be sun-bleached and gradient. I create this look, and then the sun, sea, and hot air will enhance it, allowing my girls to get highlighted only 2-4 times per year. Embrace the grow out. Let nature run its course (with a little hair love from me).

 I hope that my opinions can help you to achieve that mane you dreamed of!

XOX- BAM

[bamhair]

Winter Hair Elixir

As winter approaches, our hair, skin, and nails tend to become extra thirsty. The combination of the rigid, cold weather and arid Colorado air can do a number on our bodies. With the help of the King Soopers Live Natually program, I am able to have my favorite at-home hair and skin remedies delivered right to my door. For my favorite DIY hair elixir, I have combined three of the most nourishing oils which are shown below:

The first ingredient in my winter elixir is avocado oil. This oil contains a very high amount of monounsaturated fats which are easily absorbed into the scalp and hair strands and can stimulate growth by unclogging follicles in the scalp when massaged. 

The next ingredient that I use in this combination is coconut oil. For hair, this oil has been used for a number of reasons, but I love it for the purpose of moisturizing and protection against damage. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which helps to fortify the protein within your hair, creating stronger, shinier locks. 

The final ingredient that I use is olive oil. This product contains a large amount of fatty acids, which will coat the hair shaft and protect it from color and heat damage. I adore heating up this oil and using it on its own in order to prevent frizz and add high shine to my hair. 

 Mix all three of these ingredients (amount will vary depending on how much hair you have) in a bowl and heat for 15-30 seconds. I prefer to hop in the shower and shampoo my hair first, then I apply the mixture to my hair and pin my locks up. Sometimes I will let the elixir sit while I am in a hot bath, or I will continue to shower and allow it to sit while I shave my legs. I will usually rinse for about 5 mins, gently shampoo with a moisture rich shampoo, and follow up with my favorite conditioner. Through the winter, this mix can be used once per week to freshen up your hair from a week of stressors. 

Thank you to King Soopers and the Live Naturally program for making it so easy to shop online and order my fave products. You girls can check them out and do some shopping of your own by going to www.Kingsoopers.com/livenaturally. By using the code BAM15 at checkout, you will receive $15 off a $50 order + free shipping. If you are busy girls like me (I know you all are) this is such a hassle-free way to receive fresh groceries and products.

Until next time lovelies! XOX-BAM

[bamhair]

Flat Iron Waves

Just in time for your weekend, I have finished my first tutorial! Bare with me, as I am a newbie when it comes to speaking in front of a camera and editing a video. I hope that it serves its purpose for each of you! Feel free to STOP, PAUSE, REPEAT until you have this quick and fun technique mastered. I love you all! Enjoy!

[bamhair]

Thoughts on the Balayage Movement

When I was in beauty school, the term and technique "balayage" was touched upon in a mere paragraph in our cosmetology books. I thought nothing of it and memorized the definition just so that I could correctly answer the multiple choice question on my chapter test. It wasn't until I showed up in LA to assist some of the best in the biz that I realized that balayage was an underrated and practically unknown technique that was being practiced by a group of certain colorists for years.

The word "balayage" is French, literally meaning "to sweep". It is a freehand painting technique that allows the hair artist to apply a highlight wherever and however she/he chooses. It is not a fad or a trend and is, actually, one of the oldest applications of highlighting.

One of the most common misconceptions of balayage is that it is the same as the fairly current trend called "ombre". Ombre is a look, whereas balayage is a technique. You can achieve a gradience of color, or "ombre", with balayage just as you can touch up a partial root highlight or incredibly blonde look with the same technique. Balayage is not limited to ombre.

Another misconception about this technique is that it is a simple application. There is much more to balayage then what a weekend certification or a ten minute YouTube video can provide you. I watched someone apply balayage highlights for over two years before I ever attempted it myself. Even the colorist I studied under admitted to seeing imperfections in her work despite practicing it for many years and countless models and celebrities.

Like any art, there is a a certain level of skill and a never-ending amount of practice and time to master your work. Although balayage is the word on everyone's tongue and on every stylist's checklist of things-to-learn, I believe that the word "balayage" will lose its luster over time. I think that the word and the international rage it has caused may eventually get "swept" away, but the technique and art of it will be around forever just as it has been.

Don't you worry, though, I will never quit perfecting my art. I know that sexy, healthy, beautiful hair will never go out of style, and I will be painting head after head for as long as I can💗.

These photos were taken by my main guy, who puts up with all my hair drama, lectures, and wacky ideas. Love him tons! I hope you all are having a beautiful week and giving your hair some summer lovin! 

XOX- BAM

[bamhair]

An Icon

I got to spend my Christmas holiday with my grandma (mom's mom) this year. Although I nearly always lived a fair distance away from my Grandy, I feel as though I grew up very close to her. From a young age, I admired her always-changing hairstyles and fashion sense. She was born in 1940 in Compton, California where her mom would perm or braid and twist up her straight hair. She grew up and lived in a time where going to a beauty shop for curled coifs and teased beehives could be styled for a dinner party and bleaching her hair to a California-blonde hue for beach days and Mexico excursions was a normal occurrence. She would pull her hair up in a pretty pony while she shopped in Panama markets with a baby on her hip, and pin little curls up with a bow for get-togethers with doctor friends. When I sort through photos of my grandma throughout the various decades, I find myself fully inspired and in awe of the way things used to be. Beauty was part of a thorough, daily routine that makes my day-to-day rituals look lazy and unthoughtful. This is why I find myself in awe of, not only my grandma's stunning, natural beauty, but the effort and love she put into enhancing it. This is why my Grandy is my style, beauty, and life icon. 

I hope you all enjoyed this small bit of my life! Until next week! -

Xox- BAM

[bamhair]

Depth and Dimension

Back when I was first learning about hair color and the variations of gradience and demension, I spent a lot of time thumbing through black and white photographs. By removing color from a photo, you are left with varying levels of depth within the black to white scale. A photo with zero color demonstrates true light reflection (the lighter aspects of the photo) and light absorption (the deeper, darker bits of the image).

If you were to take your favorite photo of hair and transfer it to black and white, your brain could measure the difference from dark to light. It would show how extreme the colors contrast with one another and how well the gradience of the hair "flows". My little sister has some of the best gradience and contrast I have ever created, so I took some photos of her on a recent trip to California and eliminated the color from the images. 

Color, like anything, can be broken down to basic fundamentals. Next time you find an image of a haircolor that you like, I challenge you to make it black and white and study the contrasting colors of the hair in a simpler form. 

Love you all! 

XOX- BAM

[bamhair]

2•0•1•5

This last year of my life contained the largest amount of growth out of most of my years combined. My direction had become clear, but at the same time, it still allowed me to have plenty of room for evolution and expansion. Denver, the beautiful clientele I have accumulated, and my art as a hairstylist were welded together to form a fortified platform to build my life and passions on. 

As the last moments of 2014 have disentigrated, I stand, staring straight forward to the year ahead. My hopes and aspirations are very focused on continuing to surround myself with smart, confident, and interesting people as I develop more in my art and work.

I really do count my blessings every day that this is how it has been thus far. 

These amazing images were captured by my friend and client, Crystal Rose Smith. She has a talented eye and sweet demeanor when it comes to her craft. We spent this sunny, winter day enjoying coffee and strolling around Pearl Street in Denver. I gave myself a cute, braided headband to add a flirty touch to my flat-ironed waved hair. 

 May this New Year bring all of you new love, new peace, and new happiness! 

Xox- BAM

[bamhair]

Braid Bound

When I was in the third grade, I was gifted a book on how to make friendship bracelets. The book came with string and beads of all colors and step-by-step instructions on how to complete the most intricate designs. It only took about two weeks before I was writing down orders from all of the kids in Mrs. Copeland's class (boys included) for me to realize that this meek talent and small passion of mine could help fill my little piggie bank. But this is not where my knack for weaving things started.

When I was small, I lived with French braids in my hair. My mom had taught me to French braid as soon as my younger sister had enough hair on her head, and it came naturally to me and was a practical solution to tame the thick, unruly hair on my own head. I still love to rock braids of all sorts on an occasion, (or for a special occasion) and love, even more, to braid up the gorgeous heads of my own clients. 

I have known Brittney for a very long time and have felt so lucky to finally get the chance to play with her color and style. We are in a bit of a "hair-color-transition" with her right now, which has allowed her hair to currently be extremely dimensional and contrasted. I could not ask for a better colored hair to braid! She let me whip up these fun looks real quick and snap a few photos of her out in a field near her house. It truly is amazing when something comes together amidst my disorganization and lack of vivid direction. 

I hope this Holiday Season brought everyone close to their loved ones. Until next Year! 

Xox- BAM

[bamhair]

The Groovy Blues

Being the oldest child has always been notorious for having a bad rep. I have always felt that I would take the blame for anything and everything, and I think part of me loved to heighten this concept by capitolizing on it. So, whenever I got the chance, I grabbed my younger and impressionable siblings and dressed them up in the most ridiculous things for my own amusement and creative benefit. While most of them were a bit reluctant, I could always get my sister, Chandler, to do whatever I asked. 

She was always my little test dummy. Wearing drag queen makeup and teased, bushy hair, I would make her dance for me to Madonna tracks and capture all of the moments on a video camera. 

To this day, I still cannot help myself but to try something new on her and get her to do things that I'm too scared to ask anyone else. She is my baby doll, my mini-muse, and my little canvas.  

Thank you to my sister, Chandler, and her boyfriend, Brock, for chugging ciders and posing for me! Love you both!

See you all next week!  Xox- BAM

[bamhair]

The Groovy Blues

Being the oldest child has always been notorious for having a bad rep. I have always felt that I would take the blame for anything and everything, and I think part of me loved to heighten this concept by capitolizing on it. So, whenever I got the chance, I grabbed my younger and impressionable siblings and dressed them up in the most ridiculous things for my own amusement and creative benefit. While most of them were a bit reluctant, I could always get my sister, Chandler, to do whatever I asked. 

She was always my little test dummy. Wearing drag queen makeup and teased, bushy hair, I would make her dance for me to Madonna tracks and capture all of the moments on a video camera. 

To this day, I still cannot help myself but to try something new on her and get her to do things that I'm too scared to ask anyone else. She is my baby doll, my mini-muse, and my little canvas.  

Thank you to my sister, Chandler, and her boyfriend, Brock, for chugging ciders and posing for me! Love you both!

See you all next week!  Xox- BAM

[bamhair]

Catcaller

I was offered a hair assisting job at Smashbox Studios for a short film several years ago. If you are like me, you would not have known who Julie Newmar was, but upon arriving for the gig, I was quickly informed that she was the original catwoman in the Batman television series of the 1960's. She was as elegant as ever as she spoke to us about her life and desires while we set and styled her soft, white hair. She was dramatic in the way that she fluttered her hands about as she spoke of subjects such as Chanel perfume and Andy Warhol's strange sense of humor. 

It was out of nowhere when she stopped me from brushing and looked straight in my eyes and said in her velvety voice, "Darling, never be afraid to ask for anything in life, no matter how absurd it is. You will forever be suprised what people will be willing to do for a beautiful woman." 

Since that day, my anxiety to ask anyone for anything out of fear of inconveniencing them has been diluted. Ms. Newmar's grace combined with her spontaneity will forever encourage me to be self-assured, confident, and strong. 

These photos were snapped after freshly coloring my hair this rich, high-shine brunette. My boyfriend and I ventured to Manitou Springs, Colorado and explored the infamous alleys and arcades. The vintage coin rides and video games gave off a creepy, abandoned feeling in the early hours of the morning.

Below is the film, "Notes of Memory" by Michelle Peerali. Here, you can experience Ms. Newmar as I did that day and see the true essence of her exotic personality.

Meeeeooooowwww! Xox- BAM

[bamhair]

Mane Mantra

In Hinduism, a mantra is a repetitive incantation of a word or sound used in meditation. Every morning, I have my own personal hair-worship, and repeat the same process the following day. Your hair can be part of your aura, part of what identifies you as a woman, and part of what separates you from the pack. Never neglect practicing your own personal Mane Mantra and chant on! 

Ryleigh encompasses everything it means to be young. She is an explorer, adventurous in all aspects of her life, and is never afraid of the unknown. I love doing hair on girls like her, as it inspires me to try things outside of my comfort zone. Together, we came up with a funky look and color that would keep her boredom at bay while her hair grows longer. With the incredible photography of Jessica Moore, we captured Ryleigh's fun and forward style.

I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving! 

Xox- BAM

[bamhair]

Chalk it Up

I moved to Los Angeles on the crest of spring time and was rendered completely clueless when all of my new coworkers had taken on a "Coachella Diet" and had began collecting small, expensive clothing pieces to  adorn themselves at this infamous desert music festival. My salon was all of a sudden offering new services such as various crown braids and dye-dipped ends. I remember having perma-stained, multi-colored hands from shampooing all the pink, turquoise, and Iilac hair of the young clients prepared to have the time of their lives in the desert. From then until now, various colored hair has covered the pages of magazines and filled up our "Hair" Pinterest boards. Although there are many more "permanent" ways to create this young, high-fashion look, I used hair chalk to "Chalk Up" my beautiful clients Lauren and Krystin. 

Both Lauren and Krystin have the ideal beach-bum hair and highlights. They are naturally light, so only one balayage process brightened them up to that surfer hair we all adore. I ordered this huge palette of hair chalks online, and applied it to the blonde areas of my choice.

Have a happy week and keep your buns warm! 

Xox- BAM