Rachael Beauty, LA based Hairstylist & Makeup Artist

Find me on my website, Facebook, Model Mayhem, or IMDb

Website: http://rachaelbeauty.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rachaelbeautyhair
Model Mayhem http://www.modelmayhem.com/2216442
IMDb http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5043221

Before and After, Hairstyle by Rachael Beauty.

The before photo is just after I had crimped the model's weave. The after photo is the final look.

Here is a better view of what I had to work with. I made it work!

Time to get creative!

This hair did take me a long time. I am not going to lie. I think it took me around 6 hours or so. I wasn't rushing though. When doing an avant garde hairstyle it is all about trial and error.

At least for me. I played around with a few different looks the whole time. I also asked for input from the stylist, photographer and makeup artist. I think I used a whole bottle of hairspray on her! 

I molded the hair the direction I wanted it to go and made sure it dried. I used synthetic extensions to stuff the hair to make it appear full and with lots of volume. The only part of her real hair that is showing are the bangs of about 1 inch. I made sure those stayed down nice and tight.

I used a pomade to get a shiny look. I had fun on this photoshoot. I was able to create something I didn't even know existed nor knew it was something I could do. I just went for it. 

Sometimes you just have to let your creative juices flow.

If you are a beginning hairstylist, don't give up! Practice. Practice. Practice.

Watch youtube tutorials. Practice on a doll head or anyone that will let you.

You won't regret it. 

I started out not knowing a thing, absolutely nothing about hair! I was able to create this after countless hours practicing at cosmetology school and at home. Lots of people made fun of me for trying out different hairstyles on my dollheads at school. But you are there to learn! And I knew I had a lot to learn if I wanted to create interesting hairstyles for editorials. 

I also get very inspired by Antoinette Beenders who is Global Style Director for Aveda. 

I encourage you to follow people that inspire you in your field or even in any other field that interests you. You will learn a lot. 

Don't let anyone talk you down from your dreams or accomplishments. You can do it.

Hair by Rachael Beauty, True Americana

I had a fun time styling Danielle's hair on this shoot. She had extensions with a curl so I just polished them up a bit and gave her some volume. I then did a quick messy side braid. The location was in the hollywood hills by Runyon Canyon. It is pretty dangerous up there. And very hard to find parking. 

For more photos of my work, visit: rachaelbeauty.com

Thank you! xoxo

RB

Stylist: Donny Joseph

Hair: Rachael Beauty

MUA: Desiree Stovall

Model: Danielle Souza

Photographer: Troy Huynh

Coachella fashions 2013

Photos from the LA Weekly. It looks like a desert rave. :)

Did you go to Coachella?

What Shampoo and Conditioner I use to wash my hair

As a hairstylist I get asked what shampoo/conditioner I use frequently...

I use all Aveda products for Shampoo and Conditioning.

Shampoo Cleansing
The Shampoo I use is called Madder Root. Madder Root is for maintaining the red color in my hair. It is for red and rich based tones. It has a wonderful smell. One of my favorites of Aveda products. I love that Aveda's products are plant based and healthier for your hair, naturally.

Conditioner Cocktail
The Conditioners I use are Madder Root, which deposits red color on my hair to keep the red in. I focus this conditioner on my bangs and front part of my hair where it is highlighted red. Dry Remedy, which is a moisturizing treatment masque with buriti oil. It penetrates dry, brittle hair with long- lasting moisture. The final conditioner, Sun Care. Sun Care  is a after sun hair masque. It restores and helps repair sun exposed hair.

My hair care is very specific and tailored to my hair needs. I asked one of the top product experts in the field as to which were best recommended for the type of hair I have and color.
Since I color my hair red, Madder Root was the obvious choice for Shampoo & Conditioner. Because my hair is naturally dry and damaged from highlighting that is where Dry Remedy comes in. And I add in Sun Care because I run frequently in the hot California sun. So I want to protect my hair against the harmful UV rays as much as I can. I also want my color to last as long as possible. I leave in the conditioners at least 20 minutes or more. I use all three conditioners at the same time. Madder Root on the front, Dry Remedy on the ends and Sun Care on the crown and front. Combing through with a wide tooth comb for even application.

I don't wash my hair every day. I have medium to thick hair that is dry so I wash every few days. I don't want to over wash because it will dry out my hair. My hair needs the natural oils it produces. I have noticed a great difference in my hair since I have used Aveda products. My hair looks healthier, shinier, smells fantastic. I often receive compliments on the fragrance and overall look of my hair. I will talk about what products I use to style in a separate post.

If you are interested in the right Aveda haircare for your hair, specifically. I would head into the nearest Aveda stores or salons and ask someone to direct you in the right path. Just let them know how many times a week you wash, if you have color or a chemical treatment and your lifestyle. Also how you style your hair and with what. Visit the Aveda Website here.

I hope this has been helpful to you. Always remember that your face is what everyone sees first and you pay a lot to maintain beauty. Beauty never comes cheap. Drug store brands dry out your hair and strip all the oils. Trust me I can always tell by looks and touch of when someone uses a drug store brand. It feels very brittle. You want to maintain that salon look so use salon products. It's best for your hair. I don't skimp on skincare, dental or hair. It's all you've got. And it is harder to protect as you age. I started young. And people always think I look in my early 20's when I am actually in my early 30s. It is quite the compliment! :)

Love&hearts,
http://rachaelbeauty.com

Tips on Passing the State Board Cosmetology California/National Exam

It's been a long, tough journey to obtain my Cosmetology license. Throughout all my burdens and sacrifices I am glad I did not give up and I endured it until the very end, where I obtained my license last Friday!! I took my State board test in Glendale, CA. I can say that the test is 80% mental & nerves.

If you cave under pressure and time you will have a difficult time. Time passes by so quickly and you are timed and it's early in the morning and you need to be on your A game. Waking up at 5am was not fun! 

Tips for a successful State board Passing:

1. The night before prep your model! Cut hair in round layers, shoulder length. DO NOT bring a model with middle of the back hair. You will fail. It takes too long. 

Give her a mini manicure. Also practice rolling the perm rods on her hair. It's different than doll head hair. 

2. No cell phones! You will get kicked out.

3. Check your attitude at the door! No divas, don't give other girls looks, mind your business. Stay on task! I didn't even really glance around the room that much. 

4. Go to the restroom on break or before test. Every min counts. Come back on time from breaks.

5. You can bring bottled water inside the test area.

6. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize!!! 

7. Lots of girls didn't finish the hair cut! Make sure you have it down. Controlled sections. Comb neatly and double check when done. She checks angle at the crown for 90 degree.  

8. Proctor checks haircut, rollers, nails, and waxing.

9. Client protection. See something on her face, clean it. Spray water on cheek, wipe it. 

10. Listen to all DIRECTIONS!!!!  If the timer goes off and she says stop. STOP!! Don't keep cutting.

11. I recommended Western Kit Company for your kit. It is $125 and you get to keep it and attend classes.

12. Watch Youtube videos on State board. Google it, they are on there.

13. When checking your inventory of items in your kit make sure you take off all sealers on the lotions, gels etc. So you don't waste time later.

14. Don't touch your face or hair. If you do, sanitize hands - immediately.

15. Dress professionally. Wear all black, nothing flashy. Nothing over exaggerated. I would not try to stand out during the test. The one time you want to be low key. Why call attention to yourself at this! 

I was not sloppy. I looked professional. Clean look. I saw a few girls that looked like they rolled out of bed. This is your career! Act like you care! 

16. Get plenty of rest. Eat before you check-in.

17. The written test was pretty simple. 110 questions. Know your Nail chapter! Electricity, PH chart.

Parts of Hair structure. 

18. Believe in yourself and your abilities. You can do it. The keys to your success are in your hands!

19. I made a sign that I wrote: State board PASS and taped it in the bathroom so I saw it every day. 

With the right frame of mind it will happen. Be positive and confident. 

20. Good luck beautiful! Rock it out! :)

Happy moment!!! :)

Love, Rachael Beauty xo