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Step Into Fall Contest

by: September 1 2010

Whenever September hits, we know it is time for change! Closets get organized. Diets get altered. And hair gets renewed. Here, at Amoy Couture, we want to help you renew your hair. And more than simple renewal, we want to give back, recognizing that every woman deserves amazing hair. We want to hear from you! Tell us why YOU are deserving of a Day of Beauty. We are selecting two winners, and the contest runs from September 1st-30th. If you are selected, you will receive complimentary hair services by Amoy, a makeup application by a celebrity makeup artist, and products to take home. E-mail us at stepintofall@gmail.com with your story, and be on your way to gorgeous hair. Make sure you book a reservation at a fancy restaurant afterwards; you will want the world to see your new look!

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Essential Oils

by: August 28 2010

One of the most popular services we offer in our salon is a hair treatment consisting of natural oils and specialized products. While I will never reveal my secret recipe (hah!), I think it is very important to educate my clients about essential oils and their numerous benefits. Because we live in a more cost-conscious time, I am often referring clients to health food stores so that they can make their own homegrown hair treatments. Below, I have listed several of my favorite oils and fruits along with their proven benefits. Enjoy!

Almond Oil: Yum! I love the smell of almond oil. But, more importantly, I love what it does to my hair. Because it is rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium, this oil makes hair super strong. After using almond oil, your hair has an incredible luster and shine as well. And as a side note, almond oil is GREAT for chapped lips.

Argan Oil: Found in the argan tree and native to Morocco, this oil is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids. It quenches dry hair and can soothe a tender scalp. This oil is a primary ingredient in Shu Uemera’s Silk Bloom line, which revitalizes damaged hair.

Avocado: Not only a welcome addition to a healthy diet, avocados are a must-have when you are in dire need of a moisturizing homemade treatment. Extremely hydrating, the avocado has been used for centuries, starting with the Aztec and Mayan population. It not only moisturizes and calms frizzy hair, you can use it as a face mask, and make a guacamole dip afterwards! Just split open the fruit, and use the insides directly onto your hair. Remember, you must use a fresh avocado to acquire the most benefits.

Coconut Oil: From it’s smell (I feel like I am in my native Jamaica whenever I apply it) to it’s versatility, coconut oil is truly one of my faves. Full of anti-oxidants and non-toxic, coconut oil gives your hair incredible shine. Applied topically, it also relieves your scalp of dandruff and lice, as well as encourages the growth of healthy hair. Nourishing, aromatic, and easy to find, coconut oil is used alot by the sub-Indian population, a people who have the strongest, most shiny hair in the world. Sign me up!

Grapseed Oil: Whenever a client asks which oils they should use, the first one I name is grapeseed. Mostly grown in Italy, this oil is not only hugely beneficial to your skin (it helps to rebuild the collagen in your skin—hello, firmness!), but it is great for those who use a lot of heat on their hair (including flat irons, curling irons, and blowdryers). Because the oil is odorless, those who have sensitive noses can use it, and it’s lightness ensures no greasy residue stays on the follicle. Grapeseed oil has a high concentration of linoleic acid, which makes for strong hair, and who doesn’t want that?

Jojoba oil: Because this oil closely resembles our own natural sebum, jojoba oil is excellent to use as a heated treatment and as an exceptional hair moisturizer. If your hair has alot of breakage and gets tangled easily, jojoba oil will work wonders for you.

Lemongrass Oil: Lemongrass has the smallest molecules of all the oils, so instead of sitting on top of your hair, the oil seeps into the actual follicle, working it’s magic from the inside out. It seals the cuticle and repairs damage done to the hair. This oil is also a boon for color-treated and lackluster hair. If your hair needs a boost of vitality, I always suggest a dollop of lemongrass oil.

Olive Oil: What did we DO before olive oil? Well, probably nothing because olive oil has been here since the beginning of time. Used for practically everything from blessing homes to garnishing salads, this oil is simply perfect. If you want no muss, no fuss, I suggest using olive oil. Olive oil nourishes and conditions the hair and leaves your scalp feeling oh-so fresh. Plus, it makes your hair softer and more manageable. I recommend using the oil as a pre-shampoo treatment because it can be awfully greasy if you use it as a conditioner. Having said that, if your have fine hair, I would recommend you use jojoba instead due to the general heaviness of olive oil.

Sesame Oil: While this oil, like many oils, is very moisturizing, I recommend this particular one for the scalp. Using sesame oil while giving yourself a scalp massage is a great way to maintain productive hair growth. The oil lubricates and conditions the scalp, preventing flakes and dryness. It also helps to relax the scalp and increase blood circulation; when your scalp is not relaxed, hair growth is prevented.

If you are pregnant, please make sure your doctor approves of oil use on your scalp due to their high fat and vitamin content. For coarse and thick hair, I especially recommend olive and coconut oil and for those with fine hair, I especially recommend sesame and almond oil. Also, try to heat up the oil in the microwave or use in the shower; heat allows your follicle to open and ensures optimal oil benefits. And use 100% natural oils—no synthetics!

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