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September 1, 2018  by

KILLER.WAVES

by Kyrsti Ashmall

WHO IS THIS PRODUCT FOR: Those with fine hair that requires definition and volume. This product is weightless, invisible and is as light as air. For coarser curl management, check out KILLER.CURLS.

The newest CURL on our block is here: KILLER.WAVES. This weightless wave-enhancer is your one-stop-shop to add volume, texture and definition for your locks, and will give you that effortless “mermaid hair” you’ve been dreaming of. KILLER.WAVES was created with the curl-haired girl in mind, as each and every curly and wavy head of hair is unique, and no two heads are the same.

Our new KILLER.WAVES uses the same technology that is used to thicken and lengthen eyelashes in order to make your waves feel and look fuller, weightlessly. Infused with Baobab Seed Extract, Hibiscus Flower Extract and Yerba Mate, our favourite new wave-maker moisturises and maintains your curls and waves while fighting frizz, adding strength and offering overall protection and manageability for your ‘doo.

Just as curly and wavy hair is personal, so is the combination of products needed to keep it just so. KILLER.WAVES acts as the foundation product to lift and volumise your hair, giving you the flexibility to create a routine that is as unique as your curl.

Watch our video below to learn more about KILLER.WAVES!

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September 1, 2018  by

Our Community Outreach Partner for September: The Truth 365

Over 15,000 kids will be diagnosed with cancer in the next 365 days. Cancer kills more than 2,500 children in our country every year.

The goal of The Truth 365 is to educate and mobilize millions of people through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social networking sites. Their full-length documentaries and shorter films inform the public that there is a critical need for funding for childhood cancer research. Through increased awareness comes increased funding. You see, children *should be* our nations’ priority. Yet, the shocking lack of funding for childhood cancers indicates otherwise. We are sad to again be including this fact in our blog: the National Cancer Institute allocates only 4% of it’s cancer research budget toward childhood cancers. And 4% is simply not enough. Drug companies aren’t allocating research dollars either, as there are 16 major types of pediatric cancers and over 100 subtypes – all of which need to be approached differently. Much of the funding for new therapies are left to be raised by the parents, which is a burden they should not have to bear. Yet, they do, faced with no other options for helping their children. They bike, run, shave their heads, participate in ultra marathons — just about anything they can do — they will to raise money to give to advance research.

We would love for you to spread the word about CureFest, an amazing and FREE childhood cancer event in Washington DC! This year, CureFest will be September 15th and 16th, with the 1.8 mile walk on Sunday.

We are donating $1 from every haircut from both locations this September to The Truth 365. You also have an opportunity to help by donating at our front desk where you can fill out a Childhood Cancer Awareness Square to hang in our window to help us #GoGold this September! To read more about the shocking facts of childhood cancer, please read our blog post from last year.

childhoodcancersquare

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August 4, 2018  by

It’s better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness: DC Candlelighters

We are honored to partner with DC Candlelighters, our August Community Outreach partner. DC Candlelighters is an all-volunteer organization providing emotional, educational, practical and financial support to families of children fighting cancer. The name Candlelighters comes from the ancient proverb: “it is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.” DC Candlelighters strives to provide a light in the darkness because we believe no family should face the uncertain world of childhood cancer alone.

DC Candlelighters was founded by a group of mothers whose own children fought cancer, to give families facing the devastating discovery of a child’s cancer something they had wished for themselves – someone who has “been there” and understands the fear, helplessness, and financial and family pressures that grow out of a childhood cancer diagnosis. The DC Candlelighters Board of Directors consists of parents who have had a child with cancer and professionals who have worked with families who experience childhood cancer. The non-profit serves all children with cancer and their families, long-term survivors of childhood cancer and their families, and bereaved families who live or receive treatment within 50 miles of the Washington DC, metropolitan area.

We will be donating $1 from every haircut we do in August from both our Fairfax and Dulles salons. We also wanted to share with you information about their biggest fundraiser of the year: Dancing Through the Decades. The event will have hors d’oeuvres, beverages, entertainment, dancing and a silent auction! All proceeds raised that evening will benefit DC Candlelighters so they can continue their programs and events. Purchase tickets before August 31st and receive a special price of $60 per ticket! Your ticket includes entry to the event, dining and two adult beverage drinks.

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August 4, 2018  by

Ingredient Spotlight: Kakadu Plum

by Kyrsti Ashmall

Wave goodbye to dry hair with our HYDRATE regimen, which is formulated with a blend of powerful antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and moisturize your hair. Our ingredient spotlight this month is on Kakadu Plum, a super-fruit native to the Northern Australian Territory.

Rich in nutrients, Kakadu Plum contains a blend of powerful antioxidants and is known as the world’s highest source of Vitamin C. To the taste, this fruit has a sweet flavor with a pleasant bitterness at the end — but please don’t eat our HYDRATE-ME.WASH, RINSE, or MASQUE!

In addition, the Kakadu Plum found in HYDRATE-ME.WASH, RINSE and MASQUE is considered eco-friendly, as our source of this ingredient has developed innovative practices that ensure a sustainable approach in the extraction and manufacturing of this super-fruit. Our source practices green chemistry innovation, including a sustainable extraction process with friendly solvents and waste limitation. In addition they work on biotechnology processes to offer renewable sources so as not to disrupt biodiversity, and they use bi-products from the food industry to limit waste. Among many other practices, they also protect endemic species by using harvest cultures and encouraging replanting.

Together with the other ingredients in our HYDRATE regimen, Kakadu Plum helps to smooth the surface of the hair and lock in moisture. To learn more about our HYDRATE regimen, click here.

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July 7, 2018  by

Summer Chlorine Conundrum

We were recently asked by one of our long-time clients, “what do I do about the CHLORINE?” She recently signed up for a charity Sprint Triathlon, Tri 4 Love, and has been getting in a lot of pool time. She’s noticed a build-up of chlorine on her hair and some drying of her highlighted ends. Here’s the chlorine-busting regimen we recommend to keep your hair healthy.

  1. Go into the pool with wet hair. Those signs that ask you to rinse *before* you enter the pool have a lot of wisdom. Not only does it give your body a pre-rinse to rinse away any sweat that may be on your skin, but it can protect your hair from chlorine absorption. When your hair is dry, it’s porous. When it’s wet, it’s not. If the hair is wet, it will absorb less chlorinated water than dry hair.
  2. If you couldn’t pre-wet your hair, use a little conditioner on your ends before getting in the pool. Don’t go crazy, just a light covering of your tresses will do. This follows the same theory as a pre-rinse: if your hair is saturated with good clean water or a good conditioner, the less likely it is for chlorine to enter the shaft of your hair.
  3. Rinse your hair as soon as you can after swimming. We aren’t talking a full-out shampoo, although you should do that as soon as you can, but rinse the chlorinated water out of your immediately after getting out of the pool. Yes, even at breaks.
  4. Use Kevin Murphy STAYING.ALIVE, an amazing leave-in treatment that moisturizes and protects the hair. This stuff is miraculous!
  5. Pre-wash your hair once or twice a week with Kevin Murphy MAXI.WASH. This detoxifying shampoo contains anti pollutant ingredients that removes build-up, such as chlorine. Apply to wet hair, massage in, leave on for one minute then rinse and wash with your favorite Kevin Murphy wash.
  6. If your ends have had it, use Kevin Murphy REPAIR.ME once to two times a week. This reconstructing shampoo has powerful proteins from Bamboo and Silk amino acids that will strengthen your hair while gently removing impurities.
  7. Come in monthly for a Kevin Murphy TREAT.ME hair treatment. Our fabulous, customized, in-salon treatment is just $29 and will be mixed at the bowl specifically for your hair-type.

 

 

 

 

You can still have awesome summer pool fun and not worry about the summer chlorine conundrum. Our amazing team at our Fairfax salon or Loudoun salon is standing by to help you LOVE YOUR HAIR.

 

 

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July 7, 2018  by

Providing Hope through Living MS: Our July Community Outreach Partner

In 2011, local Loudoun resident, Beth Donaldson, was given news she had long feared: she had Multiple Sclerosis. A mother of two and wife of a police SWAT officer, Beth was no stranger to the disease as her paternal grandfather and two paternal aunts had the disease.

Beth undergoing an OCREVUS infusion in December of 2107.

The grueling treatments began right away — treatments that would help to keep the disease at bay, but which also brought on other debilitating symptoms. Beth has been through multiple treatments, infusions, has seen lesions, fatigue, nausea, brain cloud, but endures it all with grace and a smile that would melt even the Grinch’s heart. In 2015, from osteoarthritis caused by the multiple sclerosis, Beth underwent her first hip replacement, and in 2017, a second hip replacement.

Beth’s husband, Mike, an amazing supporter to Beth, began immediately raising money for research. From 2012 through 2016, the two raised approximately $17,000 for the MS Society through Mike’s bike rides for the MS Society. It was in 2016 when the two decided to create Living MS, a 501(c)3 charity focused on raising money for MS research and awareness.

 

In 2017, Living MS hosted their first annual Bike Ride, called Gravel de Loco, and raised an impressive $6,000. On November 8, 2017, the couple and their two children drove to The James Q. Miller MS Clinic at UVA and donated a check for $5,000 to be used to fund research for a cure for MS. Beth and Mike are planning a second Gravel de Loco, tentatively scheduled for October 13, 2018. Please be sure to follow the Living MS Facebook page for updates on this amazing and *beautiful* ride through one of the most scenic counties in the nation!

Living MS is planning another bike ride this year, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 13th in Loudoun County. The ride will have a 25 mile loop and a 50 mile loop.

This July, we are honored to partner with Living MS and will be donating $1 from every haircut from our Fairfax and Loudoun locations to this local non-profit whose mission is to end MS.

A little side note that we love: Beth originally found Salon Khouri by winning a gift card she won through a fundraiser in 2013 for the Isabella Santos Foundation.

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June 5, 2018  by

This little light of mine …

Kate Olivia Rhoades’ light shone brightly on all who were lucky enough to meet her. Kate was diagnosed with high risk, pre-b cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 26 months old. She underwent two and a half years of treatment, including chemo, steroids, port surgery, and spinal taps. After four months of being treatment free, Kate relapsed and was taken from this world just 15 hours after her parents, Lindsay and Mike, learned of her relapse.

Lindsay and Mike promised Kate that they would continue to fight in Kate’s honor for less toxic treatments for children battling cancer with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. They formed Kate’s Cause, a non-profit aimed at raising awareness and funds for less-toxic childhood cancer research. Another important mission of Kate’s Cause is to give back to the childhood cancer community, which they beautifully do through toy drives and activities at The Pediatric Specialists of Virginia Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and her treatment hospital, Inova Children’s Hospital.

We are honored to be partnering once again with this amazing, local non-profit as our Community Outreach Partner for June. For every haircut we perform in June, $1 will be donated to Kate’s Cause.

Lindsay wrote a beautiful post remembering and honoring Kate today and we wanted to share it here:

Seventh Heaven

For the third year in a row, you nudged me awake right at 4:04am, the very moment your beautiful face entered this world. For the third year in a row, it’s bright and beautifully sunny outside instead of the forecasted gray and dreary. For the third year in a row, I have walked to your room and wished to the heavens I’d find you there. But for the third year in a row, you are gone on your birthday and I’m celebrating for you instead of with you.

It’s your 7th birthday today and I’ve found the words “seventh heaven” rolling around in my mind over the last few days. Not even knowing what it meant, I thought it a good title for a birthday post. It sounded right – afterall, you’re spending your 7th in heaven, so it felt to me to be a good fit.

Seventh Heaven: the highest heaven, where God and the most exalted angels dwell. A state of intense happiness; bliss.

Well now, Kate. If that doesn’t just embody who you are. If that doesn’t just describe in perfect form WHERE you are. If that doesn’t just explain in 17 words the very nature of your time here on Earth – the gift you gave those who knew you, then surely no words exist that can.

You are my seventh heaven, angel, and I love you more than words. I miss you every day and while I struggle to celebrate a day such as today when you should be bouncing off the walls from too much cake….celebrate you, I will. Your life was my life’s greatest joy and I would do it all over, no matter the outcome, just to be near you. Just to share our own personal brand of seventh heaven.

Happy 7th birthday my precious girl. I love you. I miss you. Best friends forever. I promise.

 

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June 5, 2018  by

COLOURING.ANGELS have arrived and blondes across Northern Virginia are giddy!

Meet our newest blondetourage: COLOURING.ANGELS. Our four new color-enhancing treatments add a lip-gloss like shine and tone to the hair to enhance existing tones, neutralize unwanted tones, and improve color longevity without building up on the hair. Packed with hair-loving ingredients such as Olive Leaf Extract, Green Tea Extract, and Grape Seed Oil, our newest ANGELS moisturize your hair while improving flexibility and adding protection for your locks.

Our newest BLONDE squad includes four color enhancing shades – AUTUMN, COOL, CRYSTAL, and SUGARED – to add subtle hints of color and incredible, illuminating shine and are $39 for an 8.4 oz bottle.

Our AUTUMN.ANGEL adds a soft, apricot rosé hue for natural, rose gold, or apricot-toned blondes, while our COOL.ANGEL magnifies cool, ash shades while removing stubborn orange hues from the hair. Use our SUGARED.ANGEL for a creamy, vanilla beige to mute unwanted warmth and create luminous toffee tones, or stick to our CRYSTAL.ANGEL to enhance your existing colour while illuminating your strands with this unique clear, top coat.

Following our cult-favorite BLONDE.ANGEL treatment, our four newest ANGELS fit right into our BLONDE regimen for your at-home color care to moisturize, enhance, restore shine, and refresh colored or uncolored hair. To use, simply cleanse the hair with the WASH of your choice and apply your desired COLOURING.ANGEL, leaving for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. You can use your ANGEL as often as you wish, as the pigments are designed to never build up on your hair!

Through June 30, 2018, we are offering an at-the-bowl, COLOURING.ANGEL treatment for just $5! 

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May 30, 2018  by

Hair Color FAQs: What You’ve Always Wanted To Ask Your Stylist

Dyeing one’s hair is actually an ancient practice, but it’s still a popular one. With 673,700 barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists currently working in the United States, there are a lot of Americans who are sporting hair colors that don’t reflect the hues they were born with. If you’re captivated by the idea of dyeing your hair a new color but aren’t exactly sure where to start — or have a million questions that are holding you back from booking an appointment at one of the hair salons in your area — you might want to check out some of the FAQs below. We know you’re just “dyeing” to know the answers!

Once I start coloring my hair, what will the upkeep be like?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the color you’ve chosen, the type of dye, the texture of your hair, the products you use on a regular basis, and how quickly your hair grows. Typically, a darker brown or medium blonde dye will last longer than a silver-gray or a red, as these tones fade faster. However, using color-safe, sulfate-free hair products will extend the life of your hair color and keep it looking fresh for a lot longer. If upkeep is a concern for you, be sure to ask your hair stylist about the particulars of the color and dye you’ve chosen before they start your service.

What’s the difference between semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent color?

As their names suggest, these designations indicate how long a color will last. More specifically, semi-permanent dye will typically last for six to 12 washings. These dyes don’t contain peroxide, so they will fade rather than growing out. Demi-permanent dyes contain small amounts of peroxide and can last anywhere from three months to seven months. Permanent hair color lasts until the hair actually grows out and can produce more drastic results (i.e., significantly lightening naturally dark hair) than the other types of dyes mentioned here.

I’ve always wanted a certain hair color, but how do I know if it would look good on me?

Skin tone plays a key role here, as almost anyone can look good with a new hair color as long as the shade is a complementary one. If you want to go darker, wash your hair and see how your wet (read: darker) hair looks against your skin. You can also try out some wigs to see whether you might look good as a blonde or as a redhead. Your hair stylist is your best resource here, though. They’ll be able to ensure that the tone looks great on you from the get-go and that your hair stays healthy throughout this process.

If I’ve dyed my hair black, can I bleach it?

Your hair stylist will likely not recommend using bleach on hair that’s been permanently dyed black. Doing so can cause a lot of damage and breakage (or even hair loss in some cases). This may not be the case 100% of the time, but it’s definitely something you need to consult a professional about. More than likely, you’ll need to grow out the black dye before embracing a lighter hue. Your hair stylist may be able to use a gloss to restore shine or another semi-permanent dye to create some highlights that won’t cause damage but can bring some other tones back into your hair.

Can I dye my hair if I’m pregnant?

Yes, as long as your hair stylist knows not to use any potentially harmful chemicals and to keep the hair color away from your scalp. Highlights are typically recommended in lieu of a full coloring. Be sure to talk with your salon beforehand to ensure everyone’s on the same page before booking your appointment.

We hope this FAQ post has cleared up any lingering questions you may have had about hair dye. Always be sure to enlist the help of a professional stylist for any and all hair coloring. This is one time to skip the DIY and go straight to the experts! We’d love to help you achieve your ideal ‘do. Contact us today for more.

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May 3, 2018  by

Keeping Your Curls Happy: Tips to Follow Between Salon Visits

salonsRoughly 54% of women agree that they’re their own worst critics when it comes to their personal appearance. Some might even believe that they can never recreate the magic that happens in their hair salons, particularly if they’ve struggled with unruly curls for their entire lives. But your curly hair is unique and beautiful — just like you. You just might need a crash course in how to keep your curls happy and healthy between appointments with your stylist. Here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind for your tresses.

    • Put down the brush
      Curl care rule number one: never use a brush. You’ll never see one used at hair salons for curly-haired clients. Brushes are fine for those with stick-straight locks, but a brush is not a curly-haired gal’s friend. Using a brush will lead to breakage and disruption of your natural curl pattern. If you need to detangle your hair in the shower when you apply your conditioner, stick to your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. And don’t comb through it at all once you rinse. You’ll find your hair will be a lot easier to control (read: less frizzy and wild) if you say “see ya” to your brush.
    • Stay sulfate-free
      You might have heard from hair stylists or even TV advertisements about how shampoos with sulfates can harm your hair. This is especially true for those with naturally curly hair, as sulfates will strip the natural oils from your hair and make it dry. Sulfate-free shampoos, on the other hand, will lock moisture in and restore shine.

 

    • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
      Speaking of moisture, curly hair needs a lot of it. It’s the essential component to keep your curls feeling and looking healthy and gorgeous. Limit your use of heating products, hydrate your curls with one of our amazing Kevin Murphy products, and perk up your curls throughout the day using Kevin Murpy UN.TANGLED. And never use a terrycloth towel to dry your hair! Whenever possible, air dry your curls or use a microfiber towel instead.

 

  • Sleep on satin
    Our stylists will have recommended high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to you in the past. They will have also shared with you how your choice in pillow case can make a difference for your curls. A satin pillowcase is much better for curls and will ensure you don’t wake up with bedhead. It’ll also protect your hair from breakage and other damage (plus, your skin will look amazing!)

Another great way to keep your curls in prime shape? Head to hair salons on the regular to get a trim — and make sure your stylist is well-versed in cutting curly hair. To find out more about how our salon team can help spring your curls into action and improve your self-confidence in the process, contact us today.

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