Rupaul Drag Race Season 5 Episode 1

Welcome to season 5 baby where the show kicked off to a Ru-licious start!

It was obvious from the costumes and makeup that some of the contestants were new to the biz. You can always tell by the way their wigs looked unnatural at the hairline, where as the pros had their lace front wigs well-blended.

Ru, of course, walked into the dressing area and the drama began and as per usual. The girls were given a challenge to strike a pose underwater, in full drag, make-up and all. It was like the Little Mermaid on Crack. I liked the challenge; this show is definitely getting more and more money for sets and props. You go Ru!!!

The winner of the underwater challenge was Detox, a girl after my own heart (not the face though…)

Then it was on to the second challenge where viewers got to see the creativity and sewing skills of the contestants. The girls were asked to use leftover fabric, beads and plastic to make an evening gown... #hashtag- drags to riches!!  From Beverly Hills trash to tinsel town class, baby.

I gagged as I saw the beautiful creations that hit the runway. It was major! The hair, make up and dresses were worth every penny, literally.

Roxy Andrews was easily the winner of this week's challenge as she boasted major sewing skills with her sexy, intricate dress.

My second favorite was Alaska. Honey, I have never seen Saran Wrap look so drag-ah-licious.

As they moved into the elimination round to separate the boys from the girls, RuPaul sent her favorites off stage, while the last two girls had to lip sync for their life!! The little fire ball, Serena-chacha survived and was told to "shante you stay" after the lip sync challenge.

Honey, she performed as if she was going to win a trip to the moon!!  But Penny-tration had to sashay away all the way back to Kansas…

Stay tuned for more from RuPaul's Drag Race and more running commentary.

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Rupaul's Drag Race Season 5

In the world of reality TV, there are so many shows to choose from. Some helpful, others dreadful…

On top of the list we have shows like The X Factor and American Idol, showcasing amazing talent, as well as sadly, judges with big egos and harsh words to crush anyone's dreams. It's an uninspired formula which uses catfights to get ratings up, while taking away from the talent that's in front of them. 

Other shows which portray incredibly creative folks include Project Runway and America's Next Top Model.

Well what if there was a show, that could give us beauty, creativity, talent and humor, while maintaining a positive message? Did I also mention a whole lot of sparkles?

Ladies, gents and those inbetween...I bring you Rupaul's Drag Race!!!

This show makes Dancing with the Stars look like a pre-school talent show. It makes The Real Housewives look butch and makes Survivor look like a day at the park.

Rupaul's Drag Race is the next big thing since strapless bras were invented! With contestants competing, proving their uniqueness, nerve and talent, there's nothing like it on TV baby!

With more sparkles than the ball dropping at Times Square and more fake tits than a Hooters restaurant, these "boys" dance, lip-sync and paint their faces like it's a Picasso in the making.

So stay tuned for my weekly web musing on this must-see reality show, which might include some never seen before images of yours truly in drag!!!!

Stay tuned and lets meet the ladies!!

Alaska

Alyssa-edward

Coco-montrese

Honey-mahogany

Detox

 Roxxxy-andrews

Penny-tration

Ivy-winters

Jinkx-monson

Jade-jolie

Serena-Chacha

Monica-beverly-hillz

Vivienne-Pinay

And Lineysha-sparx

Rupaul's Drag Race begins it's fifth season Monday, January 28th at 9/8c on the Logo Channel.  

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Backstage at Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2013

I loved everything about Elie Saab's collection, just beautiful! Orlando Pita Complimented the beautiful designs with a hairstyle of his own. Here he is doing his magic, can't wait to ask him how to create this elegant style:)

Watch the full shoe

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This Is Where The Latest Hair Trend "The Chop" Was Born.

I'm so excited to again share with you an article that I wrote and posted back in September. It's about the latest hair trend for 2013 which is now getting mainstream press in top newspapers and magazines like the New York Times and Vogue.

It warms my heart that Comesse could be ahead of the game. :)

The Chop, (as it's now called) that's being worn on model Karlie Kloss, is a wonderful cut that's a fresh change from the over-used, long, wavy tresses that adorn every reality starlet these days. Several top models, such as  Karen Elson (thanks to Joe Martino) have already freed themselves of their long hair, allowing this shorter cut to beautifully frame their faces. The only thing with this cut is, it cannot be replicated. It's fitted to each person's hair type and personal sense of style. In other words it's a haircut with individuality!!

This cut was inspired by Orlando Pita during the Spring/Summer fashion week in New York City. We have been making the change to clients in the salon since September and the clients are loving it!

If you missed my September post, here it is in its entirety with tips on what to ask for...

"Another trend to look out for is a haircut. This is a haircut that looks good on people of all ages. It's a more chic undercut that still carries a strong edginess to it. The front length is at the collarbone and slightly shorter in the back but without the noticeable A-line look. This cut works well with some texture, such as light waves or natural curls. (No curling irons please.)

Looking at Fashion Week Spring/Fall runway hair styles, it's obvious that this is what you should be heading towards.

And if you're the more daring woman - take it shorter. You will love yourself for it! Recently supermodel Karen Elson came into the salon for a cut with my mentor/co-worker Joe Martino. After a brief conversation, Joey decided to cut her hair shorter.

Beautiful!!

But it's not just a short bob... it's a cut that stops at the chin or jawline. Think the roaring 20's.

The catch is the edge where it has was more of a f**ked up feel. It's the only way I can describe it. 

As a hairstylist it's sometimes hard to describe a look. I can't name a technique, or name a tool, (it's not the thinning shears or razor with the guard). 

It's really a feeling, experience and sense of style.


When you think of it, it's perfect as we hit fall and winter with
coats, scarves and hats becoming part of our daily routine.

Here is Orlando Pita describing a version of this look for Carolina Herrera 2013 Spring/Summer at fashion week.

So if you are all about the trends... here it is hot off the press...or runway!"

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Brazillian Blowout's Define Polish

Check out the latest product that makes me happy. It's Acai Restorative Sculpt and Define Polish, by Brazalian Blowout.

After using this product for almost a year, I'd like to share a few tips that will help you add that extra va-va-voom to your hair.

 

For a short, slicked hairstyle - First use an alcohol-based product like mousse or spray gel for hold.  Follow that by rubbing the define polish in your palms till it disappears. Apply it to hair, starting from the roots to the ends. This product will add an intense layer of shine and help breakdown the alcohol in the mousse or gel, allowing your hair to dry without the stiffness while looking firm. As an added bonus, you can totally change your look at the end of the day by brushing your hair and seeing it transform into a soft, yet structured look.

For curly hair - The define polish can be used on wet or dry hair (but not both on the same day).  If you are air drying your hair, add the polish to your ends and style as usual. You'll notice your ends will be frizz-free and lovely. If you blow dry your hair, I recommend using a tiny bit of the define polish after drying, working through your curls by squeezing or twisting through your hair section by section. It will add shine and define your curl by fighting frizz and fly-away strands.

After a blowout - Add a tiny bit of the polish to your hands, rubbing it evenly between your palms. Then apply it to your hair, with a raking action. In other words, it's not an even application to all of your hair. This will add intense shine as well as texture and lift. I use it daily in my hair since I've been blow drying and love it as it smells wonderful! Avoid using it on fine hair.

Keep in mind that this product is thick and if overused will be too heavy, so less is more. (FYI...I have not used other products from this line and do not use their Keratin treatment.)

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Beyonce Sings the National Anthem at the 2013 Inauguration of Barack Obama

Great day! Great voice Great Hair!!!! 

Really people, if she lip-synched whats the big deal?

Lets focus on Lance Armstrong, Korea wanting to blow our asses apart, children being gunned down and families becoming homeless more than ever!!

Lets focus on making a positive difference in the world, instead of the unnecessary noise pollution!!

Feed someone, talk to a woman losing her kids, children that are hungry, blind people that need your help. Anything that can make life worth living!

Got that off my chest!!!

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The Burberry Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign Starring Romeo Beckham Hair By Orlando Pita

How exciting to see fashion for Spring 2013 staring Romeo Beckham for Burberry! And for me what makes it even more exciting the hair was done my mentor Orlando Pita.

How fun!

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The Golden Globes & the Widespread Judging of Women

The definition of beauty according to Dictionary.com is, "The quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind..."

Knowing this I want to address the fast growing epidemic of intense, public judgement regarding a celebrity's appearance. This is especially true during an award ceremony like the Golden Globes, where the country goes crazy critiquing and comparing these women to each other.

For example, I found Halle Berry's entrance on the red carpet stunning.

However, she was labelled as one of the worst dressed…but by whose standards, the Fashion Police?

I would hate to one day think I looked beautiful, and then have a group of strangers ridicule me. I would feel horrible!! Well let's get back to them a little later.

I started thinking, when did this madness start? I know for a fact that it was not always this way. Once upon a time viewers would gather around their TVs, excited to see their favorite celebrity in a glamourous gown, looking like a queen. It was fun to live vicariously through them.

These days, I dread hearing the messages that the press and social media outlets blare across the airwaves. Pulling apart these beautiful women one by one, critiquing their dresses, hair and makeup, it's become a vicious sport. With big money at stake, magazines outdo each other, displaying their thoughts on who looked the worst. In other words, if you happen to wear something that you feel comfortable and beautiful in, but the powers that be disagree, you need to be prepared to be shamed on a global stage.

One of the most popular "critiquing shows" is Fashion Police.

It baffles me as to why a beautiful young woman like Kelly Osbourne would want to sit on a panel with Joan Rivers and deliver negativity dressed up as positive feedback. Can you imagine if the show only offered positive feedback such as the latest trends around fabrics, makeup, hair and designer clothing? I believe they would still make money from advertising, etc.

Let's support these women by acknowledging their achievements and not just their wardrobe and hair!

I think that the producers behind shows like Fashion Police should reevaluate their presence and decide if they want to actually help or hurt...



Here is what Lady Gaga had to say about Fashion Police


""I have empathy for you Kelly, but I feel it culturally important to note that you have chosen a less compassionate path," Gaga writes in her letter, which can be read here in full. "Your work on E! with the Fashion Police is rooted in criticism, judgment, and rating people's beauty against one another. 'Appearance' is the most used reason for bullying in the world. Your show breeds negativity, and over the years has even become comedic in nature. It glorifies you and Joan Rivers pointing in the camera, laughing, and making jokes about artists and celebrities as if we are zoo animals. What about your body revolution? It used to make me truly sad when I would hear people talk about your weight when you were younger, as I was bullied too. To see you blossoming into a beautiful slender woman who makes fun of others for a living is astounding. Why not help others? Why not defend others who are bullied for their image and share your story?"

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Supporting Women In Need

 I want to thank all my friends and supporters who helped in making my recent workshop at Women- In- Need (a women's shelter) a success. This was my third session with the beautiful women of W-I-N and we had a blast!

Together with the help of a friend who is a professional makeup artist, this workshop was the largest I have conducted so far. Twenty women participated, all eager to be part of a professional make-up demonstration. They were educated on how to look after their skin, create a beautiful eyebrow and apply the perfect lipstick. We answered tons of beauty questions, keeping the focus on showing each woman her individual beauty.

They were all happy to learn that they have amazing cheek bones, great skin and eyelashes to die for.  In the end, each of them got to experience what it feels like to have makeup applied by a professional. Every participant left feeling confident, with a big smile and a bag full of beautiful makeup.

 A special thanks to City Cakes for supplying us with delicious cupcakes that made the event end
 with a tasty bang!

Your generosity brought smiles to the kids of the women. Lets support them by hitting the like button on their facebook page.

My next workshop will be in one month so anyone who wants to take part, please let me know.

Love to all

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Bald And Beautiful At The Miss Universe Beauty Pagent 2012

While I'm on the topic of women with shaved heads, I received a post on my Facebook wall from a friend in Trinidad and Tobago regarding the recent 2012 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. He commented on the amount of beautiful women (including our very own Miss Trinidad and Tobago) who wore way too much hair for the show, and how in the end, it was a disadvantage for them. He quickly followed with another comment (which he knew I would enjoy) about two brave women who competed at the pageant with shaved heads, showcasing their natural beauty.

Miss St. Lucia Tara Edward

and Miss Tanzania Winfrida Dominic

walked proud with shaved heads. The fact that these two women felt comfortable enough to represent their country without masking their beauty behind someone else's hair was simply amazing. Not many women are secure enough to achieve that feat.

Let's think about this for a minute... So many women are afraid to be themselves without the addition of fake hair. I get it to a point, we all have our insecurities. However this "hair masking" situation is out of control. :(

Don't get me wrong. I love me some fake hair for a photo shoot...as hairstylists we are nothing without some extra hair at that point. It allows us to be creative and change someone's look drastically. And I will also do extensions if a client has a special occassion. But, I will never use fake hair if it will intentionally make someone look bad, dated or tacky. The idea is to enhance someone's beauty, not cover it up.

Ladies, I support you as individuals, because individuality is true beauty. Don't get caught up in the hair hype. Be true to yourselves and let your real beauty shine through. It's important to remember that most celebrities that go from short to long, like our beautiful Rihanna, wear wigs. So when you see her with short hair, it's because she needs to give her hair and scalp a break.

Ladies at home let's show young girls that a pack of fake hair will not make them a woman...but that individuality, charm and those natural god-given gifts can go a long way.

Amen!!

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Bald Women Are Beautiful Too

As a hairstylist it's normal to see hairstyles change, and they will always change, it's the nature of fashion. But there comes a time, when something that was once considered beautiful, starts taking on a more negative connotation. I'm not just talking about it becoming out of style but becoming a liability. In this case, it's about women losing their hair line due to hair extensions.

I was recently on the A train, leaving Harlem and heading to work, when someone caught my attention. I work in the beauty industry, so it takes a lot for someone to catch my attention, to the point where I'm staring. It was a woman on the train that was bald. Not only was her head shaved, she was naturally beautiful and carried herself with confidence.

I knew I only had a few minutes till the train stopped so I quickly said, "Hi! I'm a hairstylist and I think your hair looks amazing! Would you mind if I interview you for a short article to inspire other women that it's ok to do the same?"

To my surprise she said yes. :)

So here is the Q&A I had with the natural beauty I encountered on the train.

When I saw you on the train, I could not help but recognize your natural beauty. Do you hear that often?

Thank you Antonio! Yes, I do get compliments, often from both men and women, which wasn't my purpose for going shaven at all. But it always makes me feel good, especially nowadays when women are doing everything to be as unnatural as possible with their looks.


How long have you been shaving your head?

I've been shaving my head for about 16 months. I think this is the last stop in haircuts for me.

Did you have once long hair before?

I had long hair for most of my childhood and adolescence. The longest reaching the middle of my back, which in the black community is pretty long. I decided to cut my hair shoulder length just as all of the girls' in my high school's hair became unbelievably long. I made a decision when I was 17 that my hair length didn't determine how pretty how I was. And I continued to cut it shorter and shorter throughout my adulthood. I noticed that with each drop in length, I felt better about myself.

Did you ever have extensions?

I've never worn any form of extension, one because as a child I didn't need it and as an adult, I had no desire for it.

What made you decide to wear your hair this short?

I had been pondering the look for some time. I wanted something bold, but chic and something edgier than the classic pixie I was sporting before. So one day I just decided to cut it all off and I couldn't have been more happy with the results. It was a totally liberating experience.  And eventually it lead me to stop wearing make-up as well.

Do you use any products on your head, shampoo, etc...

I just use a semi-hard brush and spray with a little oil sheen when I remember.

 What message do you have for young women who are tired of being a slave to extensions (which actually breaks hair and causes long-term hair loss?)

My message would be to embrace who you are and what you were born with. There is nothing more beautiful than the real you, flaws and all.

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