I have but a mere moment to spend on blogging this morning. But I feel that a quick, yet important tip should be shared. You know…with it being cold outside, I like to blow dry my hair a little more often so that I don’t wander this city with icicles for hair. (am I right NYC? the last few weeks have been freezin’!)

However, I will not stand for blow dryer damage. So here is my quick little tip to make sure you’re not killing your hair with your blow dryer: Don’t touch your hair with the nozzle. That’s right, get close to the hair, but don’t ever let the nozzle touch your hair. You will torch the poor cuticle.

That’s all there is to it. Rough drying, round brushing, whatever it is. Keep a little space between the nozzle and the hair.

This photo has nothing to do with anything. And it’s old as the hills. But it’s from when I went to Argentina last spring and it was warm and beautiful there. This is the type of thing I dream of when I’m blow drying my hair during these freezing, grey months.

Thank you all for reading and supporting Hairdresser on Fire over 2012! It’s been a big year with lots of changes, and I appreciate all of you for joining in on the fun with your comments and emails.

I thought it would be fun to show you a little of what goes on behind the scenes when my tutorials are filmed. I hope you enjoy these silly outtakes. They crack me up!

Hairdresser on Fire – Outtakes 2012 from Joe Varca on Vimeo.

What are you doing for New Years Eve? I made a ridiculous headpiece with my friend Holly. Can’t wait to show you all!

I’m so looking forward to a fresh year. I’ve never been so excited for things to come.

Safe and happy celebrating to all!

Kisses

Reagan

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Hairdresser On Fire Holiday Special! Here is episode 3!

Hairdresser on Fire – Holiday Special – Episode 3 from Joe Varca on Vimeo.

Bardot Pony Tail instructions:

Get started by teasing a really good full base at your crown..this is optional. Pull up your hair in stages, creating a roll in the back by wrapping hair around your thumb or finger, and pinning in place. Continue to do this, working your way down until everything is pulled up, except what you want left out for your pony tail!

I bet you look gorgeous. I bet all my money that it’s true. Where this for Christmas or New Years or your birthday, or really anywhere!

Check out Andrea’s Beau for beautiful accessories! Follow them on Twitter here, and Facebook here!

Special thanks to my good friend Karrie for being spontaneous and fun and beautiful. And Joe Varca, who is the best director, camera man, editor I know.

Are you folks chomping at the bit for the next episode in the Hairdresser On Fire Holiday Special? I certainly hope you are enjoying them! In this episode, you’ll learn how to do the beautiful and incredibly festive cinnamon roll braid that I demonstrate on my dear friend Karrie. You’ll nail the holiday party season with your hair done in this little number. See for yourself!

Hairdresser on Fire – Holiday Special – Ep. 2 from Joe Varca on Vimeo.

Cinnamon Roll Braid instructions:

Part your hair where you would like to wear it and start French braiding..I like to start my braids on the side that’s parted heavier. As you’re braiding, follow your hairline around your head, only adding hair to the bottom section (I love the effect it give this particular braid). Once you get to the opposite side of your head from where you started (likely behind your ear), you’ll finish off the braid and secure with an elastic. Coil it up around itself creating a “roll” and secure with pins. Tug and pull at the braid, and loosen up those man-catchers!

See episode 1 here, and stay tuned for episode 3 where I give myself the Bardot ponytail!

 And make sure you check out Mairzy Dozy here! Forks in your hair make it sound like your there is a delicious meal on top of your head!

It’s the weekend (Yes!!!!!)!

I’m at a wedding (and I’m a bridesmaid!) in Utah. I’m doing my hair down and hoping to stay warm during pictures outside. A perk of long hair, you know…

You stay warm too and we’ll see you Monday with part two of my Holiday Special!

pic from my sister’s wedding in September taken by Rebecca Rosell Enslein

Happy Holidays from Hairdresser On Fire! Here is part 1 of our 3 part Holiday Special!

I hope you enjoy!

Hairdresser on Fire – Holiday Special – Ep. 1 from Joe Varca on Vimeo.

Stay tuned for part 2 and 3 with special guests and cheery ideas for fancy holiday party hair!

And please check out Mairzy Dozy right here!

I did a guest tut’ over at Latest-Hairstyles. It’s for those big messy holiday waves that make you wanna get your mistletoe on..

See here!

I went from June-December without highlighting my hair and it feels so good to reach the end. This was not easy. There were times when I was like “hey! i want fresh ‘lights in my hair!”, but I held out. I stayed strong. At the end of the six months, I actually started to love my rooty blonde hair more and more, and I would honestly go much longer, but I have a collaboration coming up that I should look a little more polished for. I’m having color done today and I’m thinking of doing a little change. Someone mentioned in a comment the other day that I should consider going dark..maybe I will?

The six month break was the way to go. I feel like my hair grew so much, and all it needed was a tiny trim every few weeks to keep it cleaned up. It would have been much more desperate with some more processing.

My advice for growing out your hair:
Keep your color jobs close enough to your natural color, so that you can stretch them out longer. Your hair and pocket-book will grow right before your eyes!

Also, use tons of this.

(all you colorists out there, forgive me for the above advice.)

I’m so excited to announce this giveaway today! Are you ready?

The lovely people over at Oribe generously sent over their new product, Shine, for me to test out. It’s a finishing spray infused with argan oil and lemongrass, and it’s a game changer ladies and gentlemen. I’m a long time believer in shine sprays to keep my long (and likely dry) ends looking shiny and healthy, and this is the best I’ve ever used. It applies evenly and is fine like a mist, so it doesn’t weigh down your hair. A little goes a long way so the bottle will last you a long time, and like every Oribe product, it smells extremely fancy..like heaven really.

The best part, Oribe sent over two extra bottles for me to give away! By all means, leave a comment to enter this giveaway. If you tweet about this giveaway (with a link to this post), you may leave one extra comment with a link to your tweet for another chance to win. I’ll be picking two winners on Friday afternoon!

Click here to read more about Shine!

Thank you Oribe for this Giveaway, and thank you all for entering!

Two months ago I was flying American Airlines (don’t do it. not worth it. never ever worth it.) and my checked baggage was ransacked. The American Airline agents had their way with my bag that I paid money to keep in their possession while I traveled with them. They stole my Bottega Veneta handbag, a camera, a Bottega Veneta coin purse, my car key, Rayban sunglasses and every single tube of lipstick that I own. The total value of what they stole was almost $4,000. it never occurred to me that a company would rob from their paying customers, which is why I had valuable items in the checked bag that I thought would be safe and well taken care of. American Airlines has been completely unsympathetic, and unhelpful would be an extreme under-exaggeration. I have spent hours upon hours of my life dealing with this mess, because of how difficult their customer service/central baggage department is. They sent me a check this month for $200, yes $200 to cover what was stolen.

This whole experience has really shaken me. I’ve never felt so violated and afraid to travel. I now question that everyone around me is out to take advantage of me. American Airlines doesn’t value their customers, and has no interest in fixing their mistakes. I have felt so sad and frustrated and helpless throughout this experience, and hope that by sharing my story, it can help prevent some of you from feeling the way I feel/have felt. I haven’t cashed my check from American Airlines in hopes that they’ll do the right thing and fix this mess in a more appropriate and considerate manner.