Monday, August 29, 2011

Best Hair Tips From Around The World

You'll notice that I am very much inspired by InStyle magazine. I absolutely love InStyle! I try my best though, to add my own thoughts, experiences and knowledge to each post.

Aside from my love of makeup, I am always looking for better, healthier, simpler and lets be honest, cheaper ways to style and care for my hair.

"Really, Mom? Coconut husk!"
I have struggled to love my natural hair my whole life and still do today. I was always afraid of being called "bush-wacked" in school (kids can be so mean!). I inherited my mom's hair, which is naturally curly, frizzy and hard to grow. My mom and I would joke that we had "coconut husk" hair, lol! Growing up I my mom and I would chemically relax, use large velcro rollers (which work quite well),  blow-dry and even use the household iron for our hair. Now for me, blow-drying was a struggle. My hair is so thick, my arms would tire quickly and I'd end up hot, sweaty and frustrated with only half my hair straightened. I later discovered the straightening iron and I've been using it ever since. 

However, as we all know heat is not always our hairs best friend, because of this I am in a constant tug-o-war. On one end I'm not completely comfortable with my natural hair so I straighten, which I like, but that weakens and breaks the ends. Combined with my very slow hair growth-rate, it ends up taking a very long time to get my hair to grow out! By the time my hair gets to my bra strap, I'm fed up and end up chopping it all off and the vicious cycle starts over. It's frustrating. 

So in light of my constant search, I find lots of amazing tips, tricks and articles that I'd love to share! What I love most about most of the tips in this post, is the fact that they are natural ingredients, some of which you can find in your own kitchen or local supermarket. The list is a bit long as we travel around the world but here we go....



Colombia - Avocado Hair Mask

Combine 2 egg whites with half a mashed-up avocado. Apply mixture to hair and leave for 15 minutes. Wash and condition normally. It's fast, inexpensive and a natural way to keep hair silky smooth.




Brazil - Coconut Hair Cocktail

Once a week, apply a cocoa-butter treatment mask to hair and let sit for half an hour, then rinse with coconut water. The combination leaves hair soft and incredible moisturized. Not to mention you'll smell delicious!




Argentina - Hydrate with Aloe Vera

Women in Argentina associate long hair with sensuality and glamour. To maintain a healthy scalp, add moisture and keep strands long, apply aloe vera directly to your scalp or add it to your favorite shampoo.




Guyana - Sardines for Shiny Hair

If you don't already love sardines, it may be hard to start enjoying but you're in luck! Trout, herring, albacore tuna, mahi mahi, swordfish and salmon are all excellent sources for omega-3 fatty acids. Adding fish to your diet will help stimulate hair growth and keep your locks shiny and radiant. Still can't bring yourself to eat fish, not to worry, omega-3 is also found in walnuts, flaxseed, cauliflower and cooked soybeans!




Mexico - Gelatin Hair Mask

South of the border they fight frizz with a blend of 1tbsp. of unflavored gelatin, 1 cup of water and 1 tsp. of cider vinegar. Massage the gel-like mixture through shampooed hair, leave in for 5 minutes, then rinse. It's a practice passed down through generations.



Jamaica - Ditch the Blow Dryer

In the dead of summer using a blow dryer can feel like a blowtorch to your head. Take a cue from the ladies of Jamaica and use rollers! After shampooing and conditioning, set hair with rollers and air dry. You'll end up with lush, bouncy, flowing curls minus the heat stroke.




Puerto Rico - Work With Your Hair

"The island is humid and windy and women here spend a lot of time at the beach", says stylist Elizabeth Rosado. "Instead of fighting their natural texture, we help them embrace it with soft layers." Choose long, face flattering layers like Jennifer Lopez.



Canada - Cold Rinse

The dry, harsh weather in Canada can make hair thirsty and unruly. To combat this, try an "Arctic Rinse". After taking a shower, rinse your hair with cold water. This instantly seals your cuticles, closing up the shaft so it reflects natural light easier. Your hair will have optimal shine and radiance!




Spain - Lived in Highlights

When it comes to hair, women in Spain have a "less is more" approach. Instead of drastic changes that require regular touch-ups, they opt for sunny highlights with an uneven starting point so that regrowth isn't as noticeable. 




Ireland - Slide Cutting

Irish women are prone to pouffy hair do to it's naturally course and kinky texture. To help with this, these women ask their stylist for the "slide-cutting" technique. This is used to remove the bulk of the hair without losing the line of cut. It creates softness and movement.

Scotland - Tea Rinse

A chamomile tea rinse keeps blonde hair from fading. Simply boil the flowers for a few minutes, cool and strain. Then spritz the mixture on dry hair.


England - Fight the Frizz

Due to the wet and foggy climate, British girls have a real challenge on their hands when it comes to hair. Before running out the door, rub some anti-frizz serum through your hair and never leave the house without anti-humidity hairspray. You never know when the weather will turn foul!


France - Hydrate while you sleep

The lovely ladies of France know a thing or two about beauty sleep. Overnight treatments are very popular here. To add moisture many women will rub shea butter cream on their scalp before a shampoo. Another nighttime ritual, vitamins. Take herbal supplements to nourish hair from the inside out.




Germany - Oktoberfest Rinse

If there is any country who knows beer, it's Germany. But aside from the obvious Oktoberfest, beer is also used as a hair rinse. After shampooing, pour flat, warm beer on your hair and work through. Rinse with lukewarm water. Or you can combine half a liter of beer and warm water in a spray bottle. Spritz hair and leave on for 20 minutes then rinse. Do this weekly to keep strands strong and glossy.



Italy - The Olive Oil Hair Diet

Like a secret family recipe, olive oil has been a passed down from generation to generation in Italy in some families. Take a tablespoon of olive oil and comb through your hair. Doing this once a week will keep your strands nourished, conditioned and improve elasticity. It's also a great way to help fight frizz!



Czech Republic- Pump Up the Volume

Czech women tend to have fine hair so it's all about volume. A national popular choice is the Kérastase Volumactive line. From the shampoo to the styling products, they all give fool proof body.




Romania - Sweeten your Conditioner

To boost highlights like a Romanian, add 1tbsp of honey to your favorite conditioner. Your highlights will shimmer!



South Africa - Whirl your Hair Straight

Before the days of chemical relaxers and flatirons, South African women used a process known as whirling to straighten their hair. To achieve this, wrap wet hair tightly around your scalp and place a stocking over your head to hold it place. Use a blow-dryer to remove 80 percent of the moisture, then remove the stocking and wrap hair in the other direction. Dry hair completely. Take the stocking off and brush out, your hair should be straight as a board.



Egypt - Castor Oil Cocktail


"In Cairo, where my family is from, a popular hair treatment is castor oil mixed with crushed garlic," says N.Y.C colorist Rita Hazan. "Add a drop of lavender essential oils to the combination and apply to dry hair, leave overnight. Rinse in the morning and you'll have lush, hydrated hair." Castor oil also promotes hair growth! You can also combine with almond oil to give it a sweet smell.



India - Amla Oil Cocktail


If there is any country that could boast having the most gorgeous and abundant hair, it would be hands down, India. With over a billion people, there are many tricks to keeping hair healthy. One of which is Amla oil. Apply a small amount of oil onto hair, massage scalp and comb through. Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse. You could also wrap your hair with a warm towel and leave on for a half and hour then rinse. Your hair will shine like never before!






Greece - Sun and Sand Protection


Before hitting the beach, Greek women use olive oil to slick their hair back into a ponytail. This protects against dehydration from the sun and salt water.




United Arab Emirates - Undercover Glamour


Although many women there wear the traditional abaya's that cover their hair, they still visit salon's regularly for blowouts and styling. Now that's a commitment to fashion I can appreciate!  Having your hair covered, with a hat, scarf or abaya will help shield you from the sun and air pollutants. It's also a great way to make a fashion statement, keep your blow-outs lasting longer and maintain the overall health of your hair.



Australia - Surfer Style


Rather than racing to wash their hair after a swim at the beach, Aussie gals use the piecey texture that salt water provides to create tousled waves. What do you expect of a country completely surrounded by the ocean?! No ocean nearby? Grab a spray bottle, add a few teaspoons of course sea salt, a few drops of your favorite essential oil and fill with warm water. Shake and spray onto hair and braid loosely. When hair dries, take out the braid and comb with your fingers for instant beach hair!



Thailand - Coconut Milk Shampoo


A local recipe that's been used for years is coconut milk shampoo. Simply grate and squeeze the coconut to get the milk, which you heat on the stove until the oil separates. Spoon out the oil and let cool before applying to your hair as shampoo. It provides moisture, softness and shine.



Vietnam - Lush Lotus Treatment


Prevent breakage with a boket, or lotus tree treatment. The lotus, which grows in Southeast Asia, is the secret to strong shiny hair. For a homemade remedy, steep the leaves and use the liquid as a cleanser. Then grind the pods to a thick, buttery consistency and use as a conditioner. 


Japan - Camellia Oil &Wooden Comb


Japanese women throughout the centuries have gone through numerous hairstyles, from the elaborate updos to long and straight to the crazy colors and styles you see today. An ancient Geisha secret was to keep their wooden comb in a jar of camellia oil then comb hair until smooth and silky. Those ladies knew what they were doing! It is much better to comb through tangles and wet hair than to use a synthetic brush. You could also massage your scalp with camellia oil using your fingertips for 10 minutes or apply oil to hair generously and wrap with a warm towel for 20 minutes. Rinse and condition.



China - Fruit Cocktail


A favorite of the Chinese ladies was the Chinese Honey Locust fruit. Boil the fruit of the honey locust tree, when cooled, rub the fruit between hands to produce a perfumed lather and shampoo hair. When ready to comb hair, use a wooden comb that's been soaking in Pomelo seed juice to make hair smooth and silky. An Asian market or Chinese herbal shop is your best bet to finding these exotic fruit.


2nd to the right, front row. Dancing with my halau



Hawaii - Awapuhi Wash


For centuries, Hawaiian's have used the awapuhi, or ginger flower, to moisturize hair and skin. This is a secret that I told from my aunties while growing up. Simply take the flower and massage till a liquid is produced, apply to hair and wash. Rinse with cool water.


Tahiti - Tiare Monoi 


As much as they are recognized your their sensuality and fast hip-shaking. Tahitians are also known for their beautiful, golden skin and hair. Not only does it help moisturize and soften but monoi has been used for years to protect from the effects of sun, wind and sea salt. Use as a pre-shampoo oil treatment or add a few drops to your next hot bath.

I tried to include as many places around the world that I could. I'm sure there are hundreds of other tips and secrets out there waiting to be shared. Please feel free to leave comments! I hope you enjoyed.

A hui hou (till next time!)


All photos were found through an internet search engine and belong to their respected owners. No copyright infringement intended.



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Bollywood Love

It's no secret that I love Bollywood....well, that's not entirely true. I love India. In every way. Whenever I feel down or mad I'll put on some Indian music, watch a Bollywood movie, google pictures, visit the only India market in Hawaii, or pick up some lunch with my sisters at the Taj Mahal Cafe. It is something that truly makes me happy and lifts my spirit.

Growing up I took an interest in many cultures aside from my own. Mexico, Egypt, Native American tribes, Japan and much more but strangely, never India. The closest I had ever come to the Indian culture were my 2 Indian math/science teachers in high school and even then, I was not interested. It was in Hilo, Hawaii for the Merrie Monarch Festival that I was shown the Bollywood movie "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" by my Aunty and cousin. It was very similar to the musicals I grew up watching so I immediately took a liking. The movie was funny, cheeky, emotional and filled with music. I cried like a baby at the end. Since then, I wanted more. I wanted to know everything about Bollywood and India. So I went out there and searched for everything I could find, bought books, tried the food, rented the movies, googled for pictures, I even went to "Bollywood Nights" to try and make friends.

Through my efforts, I have learned so much and it is something that I treasure. I went to a few more Bollywood nights, a Diwali festival and even a Krishna Temple. I found my favorite Indian food dishes, ordered my own sari, salwar kameez & lehenga choli from India. I started a substancial collection of Bollywood movies and I've made some good friends as well. One of those friends is getting married in October! My first Indian wedding that I am invited to...and I won't be able to make it. I am still recovering from this.

I am fortunate that my youngest sister shares the same love and enthusiasm as I do. She has been by my side the entire time, sharing the experiences and memories with me. I miss that.
My sister & I at Diwali

I hope to one day visit this beautiful country and experience it first hand for myself. In fact, before even considering moving to Arizona, I was planning a trip to India. It didn't quite work out the way I planned but that has not deterred me. I will make it there one day.

So, don't be surprised with all the Indian/Bollywood love I show here. There will be lots of it and hopefully there are other's out there who share the same love and zest for India as I do.

Namaste!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Hawaii, my home.

A year ago today I left home for the first time. Ideally that's when I should have started this blog. You know, to record and document every thing, every feeling and every moment that passed. That would've been optimal and normally this would've been the outcome of my procrastination but as it turns out, I had no idea that you could blog or should I say that I could blog. So here we are, my very first post a year later.

Every few weeks or so we have a party at our house. The amount of new people I am constantly meeting is amazing to me. I mean, come on...I'm from an island! Everyone knows someone who is someone's aunty's, friend's, cousin's, second nephew, once removed. I realize that formula might not be that bad but the point is, you could be related. A potentially huge problem when you're dating back home by the way. All I have to say is know your genealogy. Marrying your cousin is awkward. (oh yeah, it's happened!) Anyways, when meeting someone at these parties for the first time our conversation usually goes something like this.


10 Ways to Look More Polished

Since we are already on the subject of looking professional, especially at work, I found an old article from InStyle magazine that I saved and thought I'd share it with you all! I've added and changed a few things from the original article but I hope you enjoy.



Manage your Mani/Pedi


Whether it's from the constant tapping on keyboards, your blackberry or gardening. Having chipped, dirty nails is a sure fire way to look lazy. Mani/Pedi's can cost anywhere from $15 and up. If you choose to color your nails, bring your own nail polish. It's a lot more sanitary! While  most salon's don't charge for nail polish, a French manicures will usually cost you a few more bucks.. If you can't afford to splurge on Mani/Pedi's in salons, have a girls night and paint each others nails! Pedicures....optional.


Friday, August 19, 2011

Happy Birthday Kie!!


Wishing my little sister a "HAU'OLI LA HANAU!!". I miss you and love you!! I hope you have a wonderful day and are blessed with many, many more to come!!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

A modern girl's guide to business attire and grooming

Sweaty palms, anxiety, nervousness, that knot in your gut.....you know what I'm talking about. Yes, the job interview. There are few things in life that make me as anxious as preparing and waiting for that day. This is definitely not my strength. I'm used to auditioning. Some stage makeup, flowers in my hair, a bathing suit top and pareu (sarong) bottom and basically "show me what you got". Dancing around trying to outdo the girl next to you in front of a group of people who just watch. That, I could see being nervous about! I could emcee an hour long hula show at Ala Moana Shopping Center if I needed to. There's just something about being one on one that freaks me out!

"Not appropriate? I wore my best bra!"
So in light of my upcoming interview as a bank teller. I have done some searching  for appropriate business attire, since clearly my coconut bra will not do. Personally, I just think they haven't given it a chance. Now ladies don't confuse club attire with business attire, and just because that juicy couture velour track suit cost an arm and a leg does not mean it's appropriate for work! 

Remember that every work place is different and some business' are more lenient than others. If in doubt, check first.


The Do's & Don'ts!

Do shop for basics that you can mix 'n match. A tailored business suit, pencil skirts, dress pants and crisp collared shirts in basic colors such as black, grey, navy blue, white and beige are a good start to building your work wardrobe.

Monday, August 8, 2011

I'm working on it....

I know I only have one post but I have lots of fun and exciting things I'm currently working on! I'll try and get everything posted soon as I can. Thanks for your patience.