Blonde vs. Brunette: What's Right for You?

Going blonde or brunette can be a difficult decision.  Here is a guide from Tomy B. to make your decision easier.

When to go Blonde:

Have lots of pink in your skin
Blonde looks gorgeous with rosy skin, the light bright look freshens the face yet prevents a washed out look.  Rosy cheeks look best with blonde hair, warm brown hair clashes with pink cheeks.

Want to cut your hair short

When celebrities sport short sexy haircuts it’s always on a Blonde.  Meg Ryan’s messy shag. Reese Witherspoon’s bob.  What makes a short hair style sheen and sexy is blonde highlights that play up a style's shape.

Need a lift
When you are feeling down on yourself a light blonde look can lighten up the mood. The brightness of a blond hairstyle is sure to brighten up you look and your outlook. 

When to go Brunette:

Have very thin hair
Coloring fine hair darker adds dimension and gives the illusion of thickness. To add extra depth, color the under-layers a slightly richer shade than the top.

Have an olive complexion
Olive complexion is ideal for chocolaty, rich brown hair coloring.  The dark look will make your eyes and teeth look whiter.  Take advantage of your yearlong sun-kissed glow and compliment your healthy looking complexion with a rich dark hair coloring.  

Can't deal with high-maintenance hair

Blondes require constant, costly maintenance while going darker can be much less work, requiring fewer visits to the salon.  Brunettes also have an easier time coloring at home because they aren't removing pigment

Tips: Use Tomy B Revitalize for color treated fine hair with Tomy B. Shine Mist and Finishing Serum to get the straight sleek look shown above. 

By: Jill Schneider for Tomy B. Blog 

Reviving the 1960's and 1970's with a Center Part in 2012

The spring and summer fashion looks for 2012 are all about reviving the 1960’s and 1970’s in a  chic way.  To compliment the graphic prints and abstract geometric patterns with bohemian style and tailored shapes is a very simple hair accent essential to pull the busy look together. The center part is the only way to pull off long wispy hair (straight or wavy) that so elegantly compliments the busy patterns in the upcoming fashion season. 

Fashion icons like Calvin Klein, Ralf Lauren,Oscar de la Renta, and Michael Korsensured their models all sported the center part as they strutted down the runway in the new 2012 collections. 

 

How to get the chic hairstyle fashion designers are using to compliment their new collections on the runway:

1.      After dampening hair, use a comb to make a center part (tip— start the comb at the middle of your nose and drag straight up to ensure your part is perfectly centered)

2.      Apply a small amount of Tomy B. Define Re-texture Cream to damp hair.

3.      Comb through and blow dry straight. 

4.      Hair will look straight and shiny without having to go over it again with a flat iron! To finish off the look and get that extra shine, spray hair with Tomy B.Shine Mist.

By: Jill Schneider for Tomy B. Blog

How To Master The Fishtail Braid Like Kim Kardashion

This biggest trend right now is the nautical inspired fishtail braid. Whether its an elegant sleek braid or a purposely messy effortless look, the fishtail is everywhere.  From red carpet events to shopping and lunch it seems the fishtail braid is the hair trend every celebrity is sporting. Kim Kardashian and Nicole Kidman were captured on the red carpet sporting the latest trend.  Blake Lively’s character Serena Van der Woodson from the trend setting show Gossip Girl gives the fishtail braid a casual sexy look.

The braid may look difficult, but is actually very easy to achieve.  This two strand braid is playful and sexy and now you too can sport the latest hair trend with these simple steps.

1. Brush hair so it is smooth and knot free.  To make sure hair is easy to braid spray and brush through Tomy B. Leave-in Detangler.

2. Split hair into two equal sections

3. Take a small section from section one and cross it over to section two.

4. Take a small section from section two and cross it over to section one.

5.  Continue to take small sections of hair and cross from side to side

6. When braid is complete tie with elastic. 

Tips:  Start with a tight braid, it is easier to loosen and play with a tight braid to achieve the look you want. Once you have mastered the fishtail braid, there are endless ways to wear it!

Lauren Conrad (star of Laguna Beach and The Hills) made a tutorial on how to make a fishtail braid.  Watch the video for a visual on how it is done.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyZkowmdZv8

By: Jill Schneider for Tomy B. Blog

How To Achieve The Beach Hair The Olsen Twins Are Famous For

Mary-Kate and Ashley Oslen began their rise to fame as the adorable character Michelle on the hit tv series Full House and from there the rest is history.  The fraternal twins are entrepreneurs, fashion icons, award winning actresses, and fashion designers.  Now we can add hairstyle icons to their extensive resumes.

The duo not only look ravishing sporting the sexy relaxed beach babe trend, they started it! Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are credited for making beach hair a style statement.  The effortless beach waves have been photographed on the twins for years, from red carpet events to paparazzi shots as they leave their favorite posh restaurants in L.A.

To achieve this sexy beach bunny look that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are famous for, use Tomy B. Calm Texturizing Cream on damp hair and dry with diffuser.  To finish off the look spray with Tomy B. Shine Mist. 


By: Jill Schneider for Tomy B. Blog

Bombshell Blowout

Megan Fox has a smoking bod, luscious lips and now a smooth sexy blowout.  A gorgeous body is just not enough, Megan Fox has the right idea by pairing her awesome body with a ultra shiny sleek blowout.  

For the perfect bombshell blowout like Megan Fox:

1. Apply Tomy B. Define Re-Texture Cream to damp hair. (This heat activated product will make hair straight sleek, and stop fly-aways)
2. Separate hair into layers, begin with the under layers and clip the rest up.
3. Blow-dry hair using a medium sized round brush and a flat nozzle dryer.
4. When hair is completely dry, shake it out and apply a small amount of Tomy B. Finishing Serum for a glossy finish. 

By: Jill Schneider for Tomy B. Blog

How to Make Winter Hat Hair Stylish

Winter has finally arrived with the first snowfall sprinkling down in New York.  As the snow falls we bundle up to brave the cold.  After boots, gloves, hats, scarves and puffy coats it seems that having a decent hairstyle under all those layers is near impossible.  Lucky for us we can always look to celebrity fashion icons to find a way to show off a great hairstyle while keeping worn under a winter hat.

Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Sara Jessica Parker rock winter hats to compliment their wavy locks. While other celebrities like Whitney Port from The Hills and The City sport straight hair accented by a winter headband.  Instead of throwing on any old frumpy hat to shelter our heads from the snow we should take a note from these celebrities that turn a snowy winter day into an excuse to accessorize.


For Whitney’s look:
Keeping hair glossy and moisturized on these dry winter days is key in accomplishing frizz free shiny straight locks like Whitney.  

1. Wash hair with Tomy B. Revitalize Shampoo and Revitalize Conditioner (This moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will nourish brittle winter hair)
2. Towel dry hair and apply a small amount of Tomy B. Define Re-Texture Cream (heat activated complex that creates frizz free straight hair)
3. Blow dry hair straight using a flat nozzle dryer and a paddle brush
4. To ensure locks stay stick straight all day, mist hair with Tomy B. Shine Mist (nourishes and protects hair from excess heat) and go over hair with a flat iron
5. Top off the look with your favorite winter headband

For Waves like Taylor and SJP:
Winter waves look great under your favorite winter hats.  

1. For limp hair that needs a volume boost to enhance natural waves, wash hair with Tomy B. Lift Volumizing Shampoo  and Lift Volumizing Conditioner
2. Apply a small amount of Tomy B. Calm Re-Texture Cream and dry with diffuser
3. Run fingers through hair and apply a small amount of Tomy B. Finishing Serum to lock in moisture and add shine
4. Finish the hair style with your favorite winter hat

**Tip: During the winter months hair tend to be dry and dull, to lock in moisture and restore shine use Tomy B. Vanilla Deep Condition once a week instead of your daily conditioner.


By: Jill Schneider for Tomy B. Blog

Your Guide to a Healthy Hair Menu

Although products can do wonders for our hair the best nourishment comes from the food we eat.  The top ten foods to enhance hair health:

1. Salmon

Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, is a high quality protein food and is filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.  When it comes to fish salmon is by far the best for nourishing hair.  It is also a delicious food that can be served several different ways for any meal of the day.

2. Dark Green Vegetables

Dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of iron, calcium and vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. Sebum is the oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, it can be thought of as the body's natural hair conditioner.

3. Beans

Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

4. Nuts

Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium (an important mineral for the health of your scalp).
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

5. Poultry

Poultry like turkey and chicken are high-quality protein sources that provide health for your body and optimizes hair growth.  Good nutrition is important in maintaining your health.  When you nourish your body your hair can grown healthy as well.

6. Eggs

Eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find, they contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients. No matter how you like your eggs, including them in your diet will benefit your hair.

7. Whole Grains

Hearty whole grains, like whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain cereals are an excellent source of zinc, iron, and B vitamins that nourish your hair.  

8. Oysters

Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?
The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.

9. Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium (an important mineral for hair growth) and contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

10. Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp.  Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet a

(source: www.webmd.com)

What is Your Winter Hair Color?

Carrie Underwood exemplifies 

what winter low lights can 

 do for blondes.  

The young country singer looks ravishing

and her hair color compliments her skin tone perfectly.

For Winter Blondes- you can add dark blonde low lights for depth.  For darker blondes add a hint of warmth by adding auburn or chestnut.

Rachel Bilson does warm winter hair right.  

The actress staring in the new CWTV

show Hart of Dixie was photographed 

at the 2012 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala 

sporting a warm rich hair color that complements 

her winter skin ever so softly to give

her an elegant appearance.

For Winter Brunettes-  During the cold winter months most people opt for a darker shade, but this isn’t always the right decision when it comes to winter shades.  Part of the winter cold is  lack of sun and vitamin D.  As we cover up to brave the cold our skin fades to its natural pale self.  To balance the lighter skin tone winter brings, brunettes should consider not going darker but richer.  Dark hair and pale skin can make you look washed out, but a richer shade for winter will help keep your skin and hair looking vibrant!

Simple Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons light olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 dash dill weed
• 2 (6 ounce) fillets salmon

Directions

1. In a medium glass bowl, prepare marinade by mixing garlic, light olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, dill weed, lemon juice and parsley. Place salmon fillets in a medium glass baking dish, and cover with the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator about 1 hour, turning occasionally.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. Place aluminum foil over glass dish, and bake approximately 35 minute, until easily flaked with a fork.

This is a delicious easy salmon recipe. This healthy dish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and is around a 500 calorie meal. To add some vitamins and fiber into the dish any dark green vegetable will go perfectly. I like pair my salmon with steamed broccoli.

Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of broccoli
• Olive oil or butter or flax seed oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 dash of onion powder

Directions

1 Rinse out well your broccoli, and break into large, bite-sized florets. Cut off the stem and peel off the thick skin around the stem. Quarter or halve the stem lengthwise.
2 Bring 3/4 to 1 inch of water to a boil in a saucepan with a steamer. (Note that is you don't have a steamer, you can simply put the broccoli directly into an inch of boiling water.) Add the broccoli to the steamer and cover; reduce heat to medium and let cook for 5-6 minutes. The broccoli is done when you can pierce it with a fork. But be careful not to overcook the broccoli. As soon as it is pierce-able, remove from heat, place in serving dish.
3 Dress to taste with butter, olive oil, flax seed oil, and garlic and onion.

*my favorite is flax seed oil available at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and health food stores.

By: Jill Schneider for Tomy B. Blog