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Extensions are a simple and effective method to instantly achieve longer, fuller hair. With the proper knowledge and care toward your keratin bond extensions, we can ensure that you get the most out of your new hair. I provide a variety of different methods and extension services to best suit your hair, lifestyle, and achieve your desired look. I offer a K-tip cold fusion, tape-ins, halo piece, hand-tied wefts, and custom clip-in sets. Keratin Bond Extensions Keratin Bond extensions are tiny strands of actual, unprocessed human hair . Instead of being fastened with tape or glue, keratin extensions have a form of keratin protein that mimics the strand of your hair. Keratin Bonds are made from 100% human hair that can be color-matched to each client for seamless results. It is a non-invasive way to achieve the hair of your dreams. These individualized strands are less visible and more customizable to suit different clients' needs. And with Keratin bond extensions, there is a lot more we can achieve. K-Tip Cold Fusion The K-Tip cold fusion is less visible and easily customized to suit your desired outcome. The K-Tip cold fusion is a gentle way to install extensions by using small bonds to connect the extension to your natural root. If you are looking for a full transformation, keratin bond extensions deliver amazing results and offer a seamless, natural-looking finish. The cold fusion process is ideal for finer-textured hair as the extensions are customized and cut to match the density of the natural texture. For micro-appointments that involve applying a few add-ins, the extensions will last around two months. If you are looking for a full transformation, such as adding volume and length, normal - thick textures can last up to roughly four months (with proper at-home maintenance). This method has a very natural appearance and feels just like your own hair, but better. Timing: A full head install takes a minimum of 3 hours. Fill-ins usually take up to 2 hours or less. When booking this service, make sure you are comfortable with the amount of time you spend in the salon. This could be a time-sensitive issue for some people with tight, busy schedules. At Home Care: Brush your hair morning and night with a mason Pearson mixed bristle brush, starting at your roots and brushing down. This will help with lessening root matting, and the hairs that naturally fall out by the bond will lay flat when properly brushed. Tape In Extensions The Tape-in method is great for normal-thick textures. The panels lay flat to the head and have a small section of your hair in between like a sandwich. The extensions adhere to a safe gel adhesive which is easily removed with a solution that breaks down that gel and slides right out. This method can be better for those whose hair tangles more since the attachment is more secure. Tape-ins are ideal for those with a busy lifestyle, as the application process and maintenance are much quicker. Each application lasts between 6-8 weeks, so you will still have to dedicate time to the salon but do not have to stay as long. With this method, you can reuse the hair 2 times. I recommend tape-ins to anyone looking for a long-term relationship with extensions. This method is quick and effective at achieving volume, length, and an easy way to change up your look. Timing: A full head install can take between to 1 to 2 hours. For fill-ins, they take around an hour or less depending on your desired look.  At Home Care: Brush your extensions morning and night to avoid hair tangling and mid-length matting. When brushing the roots and tape-in panel, use a loop brush designed for extensions to avoid the bristles getting stuck or hindering the panels. The loop brush will go right over the extension panel and also help de-tangle ends. Do not leave hair soaking wet at roots. Use a hairdryer on low heat around the crown of your head to eliminate water getting in between the panel and loosening the adhesive. Halo Piece A Halo Piece from Halo Couture is a single extension piece that covers the entire circumference of your head. It sits comfortably around your crown, with a clear line holding it in place laid underneath your natural hair. This budget-friendly option is great for someone who doesn’t want the commitment of having “temporarily permanent” extensions. Considering it is just one piece, it is easy to maintain and brush out. You can even style your halo before putting it in to ensure your curls are in the right direction. A halo can be your best friend for 3-5 years, depending on how you care for and treat your extensions. The Halo Couture is most popular among brides who want to achieve a fuller, longer look on their wedding day. It is also a very easy piece to install yourself, along with the element of styling and maintaining, for any special occasion. Overall, it is a great long-term investment if you are someone who likes to regularly switch up your style. Timing: It's just a matter of coming in for a consultation to color match before we order your custom crown to have in your hands as soon as a few days! The consultation includes instructions on how to use your new hair. At Home Care: Get an extension buddy or pants hanger with the two clips to help hold the weft in place as you cleanse, blow dry, or style with a hot tool. I also recommend a drop-off service at the salon every couple of months for proper cleansing to treat to get your halo back to its best shape. Clip In Extensions Clip-in extensions come in various sizes and are gently installed into your natural hair with multiple small pressure-sensitive clips. They come in a set of four to seven pieces and can be removed and applied whenever you need them to be. Clip-ins are great for someone that likes to customize their look. Some days you can use all your tracks and other days you can use just a few to fill in any sparse areas. Clip-in extensions are a great way to ease into extensions without a big financial commitment. You can take them out as you please and are a versatile and affordable way to change up your look at home. When it comes to styling, I recommend applying your clip-ins before you move on to styling for a more cohesive look. Timing: After we color match, your custom clip-ins will be ready for you in just a few short days. I will instruct you on how to clip in your extensions to achieve all over fullness anytime, anywhere. At home care: You can get an extension buddy to hang your extensions to easily blow-dry and style. Remove your clip-ins before bed to keep them in pristine condition and use your extension buddy to store them in between wears. Extension Care 101 Whatever extension method you choose, they all require extra care and attention just as your natural hair does. With these pro-tips, you will get the most out of your extensions. Brush: Brush your ends first and then work your way up to eliminate tugging and tension when de-tangling. Always de-tangle before styling. Moisturize: Use leave-in water-based conditioners on your extensions to add in extra shine, and avoid any oil-based products that cannot be absorbed by extension hair. Protect: Use a heat protectant whenever you apply heat to your extensions. Avoid bringing heat close to the root to minimize damaging the installation. Style: When blow-drying, use low heat around the crown. When it comes to hot tools, stay away from the attachment site. A good vantage point is everything from the earlobe down is safe. Water: Avoid submerging your head in salt water and chlorine pools, which can break down the gel adhesive or even cause the tapes to fall out. Night Routine: If you have professional extensions installed, I recommend you secure your extensions with a silk scrunchie or a secured braid before you fall asleep to prevent them from getting pulled on or tangled while sleeping. Shower Routine: Avoid leaving extensions soaking wet after a shower. Use a microfiber towel to gently absorb extra liquid from your hair, and always dry on low heat or allow clip-in extensions to air dry on a hanger. Finding the Perfect Match All extension installations begin with a consultation. Together, we can discover which method is best for you. Every application is customized to the person. Each head of hair is different and each client has different concerns depending on their desired look. For all extension methods, we offer various textures to suit every head of hair. We have silky straight, waves, curly and more. We color match you perfectly without having to custom color. Working with multiple companies gives us room to venture around in finding the perfect shade. When it comes to length, standard lengths are 14,16,18,20,22,24 inches. Anything longer would be a custom order and must be inquired two weeks before the expected install. All companies I work with rely on intact cuticles to ensure the most natural and healthiest hair. To inquire about extensions, email you.look.stella@gmail.com . Following your inquire: A contract and payment agreement will be presented during this time. I will ensure we go over all hair extension and pricing options upon a consultation. We will color and texture match your extensions and schedule an appointment for your installation. You will sign and leave the stated deposit to hold your appointment. If you breach anything within the contract a new consultation is to be made along with a new deposit. We accept cancellations up to 48 hours.  Along with pricing, I will share at home care and my professional expectations for you when you are not in the salon, including for a follow up check in appointment and blow-dry service. Ready for your new hair? Book your consultation today by emailing you.look.stella@gmail.com

A New Hair Salon Experience LRN Beauty NYC is your color and cut dream destination. Owner and founder, Lauren Paglionico, carefully curated a team of talented artists that bring in a new experience to the hair salon industry. Every visit is an individualized pamper sesh that will leave you and your hair feeling refreshed. At LRN Beauty, the goal is always to make our clients happy, hopefully exceeding their expectations and gaining a client for life. LRN Beauty is located in the heart of the art district, with frequent visits from other talented artists and influencers. The salon features local artwork for their clients to enjoy and unique hair accessories to take home with you after every visit. Meet the Founder of LRN Beauty NYC Lauren Paglionico, aka the blonde connoisseur, founded LRN Beauty Salon in March of 2021. The LRN Beauty Salon quickly became one of the hottest spots in NYC, with a team of talented stylists that each specialize in their own niche. Lauren is not only the founder, she is among one of the talented colorists helping you achieve the blonde shade of your dreams. She says, “Although I am the owner of the company, I can proudly say my specialty is undeniably blonde hair.” In addition to LRN Beauty, Lauren and her team offer services at both local and destination weddings. Your wedding day will be one you’ll never forget with this group of stylists working behind the scenes to have you looking glammed and beautiful as you walk down the isle. We can all agree we feel most confident when we are having a good hair day. Lauren says, “I wanted to become a hairstylist because I realized that beauty is empowering. I love to expand confidence in women by transforming their inner beauty to outward radiance.” LRN Beauty is more than a beauty salon, with a passion for sharing all the latest hair care secrets and empowering everyone who walks through the doors with the magic of great hair day. She says, “The most rewarding part of my job is making people feel good. Not just my clients but my staff as well.” This close-knit group works together for whatever hair care concerns you may have. From extensions to trims, to blowouts and coloring, whatever you need, there is a stylist to help you reach your goal. Lauren says, “My biggest accomplishment in 2021 was opening LRN Beauty, a hair salon-fused-art collective that provides a space for all types of artists. My goal for 2021 is to continue to grow. To be more than just a salon but a beauty lifestyle brand.” Lauren’s Hair Secret: "Shampoo less (2-3x a week), dry shampoo more. If you color your hair, ALWAYS use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.” Meet Courtney Courtney Gerics is another talented colorist at LRN Beauty. She has worked at some of NYC’s most recognized salons, including Warren Tricomi in the Plaza Hotel and Madison Avenue. Courtney helps you achieve whatever shade you are after and is always up to date with recent trends to keep your hair looking current and fresh. She says, "No matter which color service you have, you’ll always leave feeling like the best version of yourself."
She was born and raised in Brooklyn and found her way to LRN Beauty after discovering her love for hair styling. Courtney works alongside her team to create the perfect color and cut for her clients. She says, " I am a hair colorist and specialist at LRN Beauty NYC. I also offer extension services, with a certification from Bellami Hair, to help my clients achieve the hair of their dreams." She became Bellami Hair certified and offers freelance services to those of you looking to achieve longer locks. Her goal is to continue perfecting her craft and continue learning new skills to offer the best experience for her clients. As a hairstylist and color expert, Courtney shares helpful tips on prolonging your color and how to maintain the perfect shade. She offers freelance hair and makeup services for clients looking to get glammed from head to toe. She is a multifaceted addition to LRN beauty with an eye for beauty that keeps her clients coming back for more. Courtney's Hair Secret: "Don't use purple shampoo everyday! And choose hair products that have color safe ingredients that amplify your color rather than strip it. Meet Irving Irving is the Keratin specialist and a highly sought-after hairstylist for some of your favorite celebrities. Born and raised in New York City, Irving loves his city almost as much as he loves cutting hair. Irving has been drawn to all things beauty since a young age. He says, “I’ve been into fashion, beauty, and anything glam ever since I can remember. I was obsessed with watching my mom and aunts do their hair, makeup, and getting dressed up. I also loved playing hairstylist with my little sister, cousins, and their Barbies. Barbie was the ultimate client, I could do her hair and dress her up.” When you get to wake up and help people feel like the best version of themselves, this line of work is more of a treat than a chore. Irving says, “The most rewarding part of my job to me is waking up to do something I love, not feeling like I’m going to work, or dreading having to work. That feeling is priceless to me and I feel very blessed to say that.” At LRN Beauty Salon, we all work hard to stay current with trends and challenge existing beauty techniques. He says, “My career goal for the new year and always is to remain focused, keep making clients happy, always spread positive energy where ever work, my day, and life takes me, and to continue learning. There’s always something new to learn in this field and that’s definitely something I want to do more of.” Irvine has been working with the LRN Beauty Brand for almost nine years. He says, “My niche is doing bridal work which is how I was first introduced to Lauren. I’d proclaim myself as the bride whisperer, Lauren and Courtney the blonde whisperers, and Nicolette: you’re good at like everything (seriously, she is).” Irvin’s Hair Secret: "I always remind my client’s to be mindful of their hairline when washing their face. The acids can dry out hair around your hairline causing it to break.” The LRN Beauty Salon is a one-stop shop hair salon, with a small but mighty team of talented artist's each specializing in their own beauty niche. In addition to haircuts and coloring, we offer beauty, brands, and brow services that will have you looking and feeling your best. For a complete list of my healthy hair tips and to stay up to date with all my stella secrets, be sure to subscribe! And in case you did not know, I am Nicolette Rauchut, founder of You Look Stella, a space for my clients and aspiring hairstylists to feel inspired and educated. I am the girl you see for trims, cuts, fresh blowouts, and my specialty service: extensions. I will be sharing all you need to know about extensions in my next blog post. In the meantime, DM me on Instagram @you.look.stella or email you.look.stella@gmail.com for extension inquiries. And book your next appointment at the LRN Beauty Salon for a one-of-a-kind experience. We look forward to meeting you!

Valentine’s Day just got a whole lot better with these love-infused gift ideas and a quick glam look to get you ready for your date night. These gifts will reignite the passion between you and your partner or will even make for a wonderful night of self-care. If you need a last-minute gift, these simple yet meaningful items will not only please your partner but raise the love vibrations. I am also sharing some fun festivities you can partake in using your new gifts that make for a night filled with love. My Favorite LOVE Crystals for Valentine’s Day First things first, if you need some extra help in the love department, some extra self-love attention, or just want to reignite the passion between you and your partner, crystals will be your best friend. I use crystals in my daily routine to raise my vibrations and cultivate positive energy. There is a crystal for whatever you are looking to attract into your life and they can even dissolve negative energy. For Valentine’s Day, these three crystals will invite in love and absorb any stagnant energy between you and your lover. Strawberry Quartz helps relieve any aches and pain, especially in lower back and abdomen by absorbing, storing, releasing, and regulating your vibrations. The Strawberry quartz is also associated with love, communication, and purification of the heart chakra. Rhodonite , also known as the 'rescue stone', aids in compassion and emotional cleansing. It will heal any scars and wounds from the past and nurture you with love, bringing in a new sense of self-worth . Rose Quartz fuels the heart chakra to increase your love vibration. It boosts feelings of self-love and fosters loving relationships with others . Adding these crystals to your Valentine’s Day festivities can help your day be filled with love and passion. If your partner is a crystal lover, like myself, then any one of these love crystals will be a meaningful gift idea that not only will make their day but also keep the good vibes going. Gift Guide for a Romantic Self-Care Ritual Witch Baby : Witch Baby is a one-stop-shop for clean beauty products. They handcraft vegan and cruelty free beauty products, blended with natural herbs for a magical experience. From bath bombs to body oil to hand soap, their products deliver a beautiful aroma that ignite your senses. The Candy Quartz Body Butter comes infused with Rose Quartz, to moisturize your skin and pamper yourself with self-love. An ideal addition to your self-care routine. The Love Body Oil is mixed with an alluring blend of roses and apples, with delicate rose petals infused into the mix. Use the Love Oil and surprise your partner with a massage this Valentine’s day. The Salt of Sun Bath Salt promotes prosperity, luck, love, happiness, confidence, and strength. Ignite your flame by sprinkling in bath salts into your solo (or couple) bath and enjoy the fresh scent of orange. The Candy Heart Bath Bomb will fill your tub with a deep shade of pink, igniting your heart chakra and filling your senses with fresh picked strawberries. It even has a special Valentine's Day love note inside. No boo on Valentine's Day? Make it a full self-care ritual with an essential oil scalp massage, followed by a Salt of Sun Bath Salt Infused bath while enjoying some champagne and strawberries. Then finish with the luxurious body butter to lock in all the good vibes. Lunya: Lunya is a luxurious take on all the basics. They have sweats for him, robes for her, and their one of a kind scrunchies are a must have for a “no crease, no pull” up-do. All of their products are made from natural ingredients, that feel so soft on the skin you won't want to take them off. The Satin Scrunchie has exceptional silky soft material. This scrunchie may be priced high but worth every penny. It keeps your hair out of your face and never tugs, so you'll never have a headache from your pony again. The Lunya Silk Robe is a great addition to your bed time routine. It can be a great gift for her, or a nice surprise for him. Their limited edition pink shades are the perfect addition to your next night in. The Washable Silk Bedding is a gift you can both enjoy. Cozy up in this luxurious bedding, designed with sustainable and naturally thermo-regulating materials so you can slumber at the perfect temperature all night long. The Stretch Strip Brallete in Enamored Pink is lightweight, but still sexy. It’s perfect for a nighttime slumber or beneath your new silk robe. Surprise your partner with this new take on lingerie that leaves you feeling confident yet still comfortable. A Partner Pamper Sesh Why not indulge in your lover’s self care routine this Valentine’s Day. We all need some extra love and attention, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to truly pamper one another with this nurturing self-love sesh. Start by aligning one’s intentions with a guided mediation. Positive affirmations between you and your lover can also create a space to cultivate more love. Aromatherapy is known to enhance passion and intoxicating sensations, pure comfort and relaxation, or a feeling of deep connection. Rose, Vanilla, and Jasmin scented candles are ideal for creating a comforting and sensual atmosphere for you and your lover. Incense and sage are also great ways to set the mood and clear out stagnant energy. By using aromatherapy, you can hit certain senses with the playful act of mixing essential oils. Massages and scalp care rituals with your partner can allow you to explore your partner on a more personal level and show them the care and attention they deserve. Eating food that is the color of your heart chakra can enhance your love connection, such as green leafy vegetables. Now I know green veggies aren’t the sexiest food, so green grapes and red strawberries are also associated with the root chakra and can be a playful addition to your date night. Wearing deep greens and red can also ignite your root chakra, so throwing on your new Lunya Robe and matching bralette in Enamored pink can spark a new flame between you and your partner. Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, and Calcite are known to activate your sacral chakra, which is in control of your sexual desire & love. By placing crystals in one another’s space, you can spark a deeper connection, not only on an intellectual level but spiritually, where soul mates can thrive. Let's Get Glam Got a hot date planned? Here’s how you can make it a bit spicier, wearing my favorite Glitter is the New Black accessories. I spoke with Glitter is the New Black founder, Kristin Simmons, to get the run down on her favorite items and how she would style them for a glam night out. The Blush Blossom Headband : "The beaded headbands are the perfect addition to any outfit when your looking to make a statement." And there's no better time to make a statement than on Valentine's Day. Bling It On Pink Rhinestone Face Mask : "Who doesn't need a few good masks that are gentle on the skin in this day and age?" The pink rhinestones add just enough flare and can still match the vibe for Valentine's Day. Aruba Earrings: "The Aruba earrings are the first design I ever created, so I consider them a necessary staple." Kristin likes to pair her statement earrings with a classic up-do hairstyle that takes any look from basic to show-stopping. Last Minute Glam If you are short on time for your Valentine's Day Date, this simple yet sleek pony is ideal for a last minute glam look. Pair with Glitter is the New Black statement earrings to truly wow your partner. The low side part pony is my go-to when I am in a pinch or want to prolong a blowout. You can create this look with just a few swipes of a brush and some hair spray. SLEEK SIDE PART PONY ​ Step 1. Determine your part. Spray the Strong Hold 7 Milbon Hairspray and smooth down your hair with Mason Pearson brush. Step 2. Gather hair into ponytail by nape of the neck. Secure with hair-tie or bungee. Step 3. Section off a small strand of your hair below the base of the pony. Spray with hairspray, as you use the piece to conceal the ponytail holder. Step 4. Throw in some Glitter is the New Black statement Earrings and you are ready to rock this look.

How to Cultivate Love this Month When I think of February, love immediately comes to mind. Whether you are single, married, or dating, learning to love yourself is the first step in cultivating more love in your life. And if you are looking to attract more love into your life, the month of February is the time to do it. That's why this month I am focusing on showing myself more love by implementing these self-love rituals into my daily routine. The heart chakra is located at the center of our spine, and it is the fourth primary chakra that represents compassion, empathy, love, and forgiveness. There are physical signs the heart chakra is blocked. It manifests in the form of dysfunctional relationships, feeling isolated, skin conditions, asthma, circulatory problems, low or high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and chest pains. To realign the heart chakra, we use meditation, yoga, and crystal therapy as a guide. Meditation Meditation is a great tool to visualize the heart chakra opening by imagining positive energy radiating throughout the entire body. Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with your spine straight. Take three deep breaths through the nose with an open mouth exhale. Visualize a green light in the heart center that flows throughout your entire body. Meditation in the morning allows us to start our day with the intention of self-love that we can carry with us throughout the rest of the day. I have noticed that it provides a mood boost, improves focus and productivity, and lowers levels of stress and anxiety later in the day . Begin each morning with this visualization to cultivate self-love and positive energy and join the #meditatewithstella movement. Movement After awakening the mind with meditation, it is time for a quick yoga flow to awaken your body. Being intentional with this movement can allow your heart to open up even further. Certain asanas will open the heart up to receive, such as sphinx, camel, cat, and fish pose, which I include in my morning yoga flow. Connecting your breath to movement in each pose allows the mind to focus on the act of yoga and be fully present in the current moment. Focus on your breath as you flow through these poses to truly ignite your heart chakra. When you are mindful of your breath, you are less worried about how the rest of the day may unfold. Crystals The best crystals to include in your self-love journey are those that contain shades of green or pink. Use crystals as your compass to finding unconditional love for yourself and those around you. Use any of these crystals in your meditation and yoga practice to rid yourself of negative energy and allow new, positive energy to take its place. After using your crystals, cleanse and recharge your crystals with selenite. Here are my favorite crystals to use during the month of February: Single? Rose quartz: One of the most popular crystals for attracting love and boosting feelings of self-love. Considered the love stone, the rose quartz opens the heart and encourages compassion. It is known to heal heartache, settle grief, and allow one to love after emotional difficulty. Pro-tip: Place these in the corners of a room that you often gather in or wear a pendant for personal benefits. Rhodonite: This rose pink crystal attracts love by healing emotional wounds like heartbreak and puts you on the pathway to complete unconditional love. It can be an incredible relationship healer, especially with oneself, to embrace all your flaws and reach ultimate acceptance. In a Relationship? Pink Kunzite : One of the few naturally pink stones in existence with a strong connection to the heart chakra. It will strengthen unconditional love and encourage loving communication between you and your partner. Pro-tip: Place this stoning stone as a decorative piece in your home to invite more loving energy and peace into your relationship. Tourmaline: Known for its pink and green shade range, the pink variety is all about pulling out compassion and gentleness and dealing with matters of the heart. It offers a sense of protection and grounding while deflecting negativity and diminishing fear. It's Complicated? Red calcite: Known for increasing energy, uplifting emotions, and aiding in willpower. This stone will remove stagnant energy, dissolve blockages, and helps to heal wounded relationships. It is a stone that will help you get rid of the stagnant energies in your love life and overcome challenges in your relationship. Pro-tip: Place the stone by a bedside table or space near your bed to help reduce restlessness and confusion in a relationship. Strawberry quartz: This stone represents growth and promotes healing. It is a wonderful stone for those who don't feel like they're entirely understood by their partner. It is also known to promote passion, affection, and good fortune. Self-Love Affirmations To open the heart chakra, repeating affirmations related to love and healing will over time invite more love and compassion into your life. Try repeating these five affirmations each morning to start your day with an open mind and heart. I am open to love I love myself unconditionally I have an open heart and am open to receive love I am surrounded by love I am worthy of love A mindful morning routine focused on cultivating self-love is a great way to show yourself the much deserving care and attention this month. Using crystals along side these rituals will enhance the experience and raise the vibrations even more. Seven Gems Update The first two sessions with Jessica were exciting yet challenging. We first started with some general questions about my lifestyle and my expectations, as well as the goals I wanted to set for my workshop. We worked on the root chakra and the sacral chakra. I would wear and eat foods that are the color of chakra to help activate that area. After our brief consultation, we started with some foundational movements of the body. Some of these poses were difficult for me because it's been some time since I've done a yoga session. Jessica helped me with my alignment to ensure that I'm not doing more harm than good. Once I got the rhythm of the flow I felt more confident in my movements. After several flows through each pose, we did a guided meditation. I usually meditate a couple of times a week and I am a lucid dreamer so usually, visualizations come easy to me. For some, it can be hard to visualize something without having guidance. Jessica is very good at describing the energy you need to surround yourself with. Once you can create that mental space, visualizing comes naturally to the mind. You fall into a state where the body naturally builds endorphins, which is the body's best self-made pain reliever. When you hit this state of mind I begin to manifest good health. Towards the end of the meditation, Jessica incorporated a sound bowl. Frequency healing is an amazing tool for achieving overall health and relieving any joint pain. With better breathing functions and overall blood circulation, this can increase hair growth and scalp health. By implementing these simple lifestyle changes into my daily routine, I can feel a stronger connection to my higher self. Pouring from an empty cup never served me well. Now that I set aside more time for acts of self-love, I can see an improvement in my relationships with those closest to me. I am more level-headed with my responses, and arguments dwindle to more civilized conversations. To cultivate more love between my partner and me, I use Himalayan salt rocks and rose quartz in the four corners of my room to rid of any negative vibes and lingering emotions. Once the area is cleansed, I light incense to remove stagnant energy. Pro-tip: Looking to spice up your love life? Try finding a special scent to activate a desire you may have in your relationship. Light your favorite candles to stimulate the visual atmosphere and set the mood. If you are an aphrodisiac type of person, incorporate something yummy and sensual to heat things up. Be sure to try out these self-love rituals into routine all month long and follow @youlookstella on Instagram to stay up to date with my Seven Gems Journey.

Crystal-Infused Hair Care to Cultivate Positive Energy Hair care is often overlooked as an act of self love. With AIIR professional, hair care will become so much more than another step in your daily routine. Each of the AIIR Professional products includes an affirmation designed to help set your intentions for the day. They are infused with crystals and paired with other natural ingredients to harness positive energy and raise your vibrations. In 2016, Jenny Strebe combined her passion for styling hair with a holistic lifestyle to create a one-of-a-kind wellness hair brand, AIIR Professional. This first-ever crystal-infused hair care line will not only improve your hair game but also your mindset. Her business practices and life values of integrity, well-being, innovation, and elevation have aligned to create a community that empowers everyone who is a part of it. Stella’s Favorites I reach for AIIR Professional products when my clients are in need of a positive energy shift. My favorite AIIR Professional products are designed to style, hydrate, and create good vibes for the rest of our appointment. I look at each appointment as opportunity to not only boost your confidence with your new hairdo, but also your mindset thanks to the healing power of crystals. The Styling Paste: A versatile product, made with moonstone and blue agave, with a lot of uses. First and foremost, the tackiness of the product makes for a wonderful pomade to create definition and hold. It helps separate the strands to give more of a “beauty in chaos” type of look. Crystal Spotlight: Moonstone A stone for “new beginnings”, inner growth, and strength. The moonstone crystal is known for enhancing intuition, promoting inspiration, and good fortune in love and business. Style Tip : Use it on shorter length hair to give a sleek appearance. Using a Mason Pearson brush to gently lay the hair flat, OR create texture with your fingers and manipulate the direction of the hair you want it to lay.  Jade Hair Oil : For infusing your ends with deep hydration, the Jade Hair oil also helps reduce the likeness of static cling. In the dead of winter it is great for smoothing out frizz and giving the hair slip to avoid the bunching of scarf and jackets messing up your good hair day. Crystal Spotlight: Jade Jade has calming and soothing properties. The Jade crystal is known for eliminating fear, comforting the mind, helping the heart to find compassion to make the right decisions, balances emotions, and persuades you toward renewal. Style Tip : If you're looking to add shine to fresh beach waves or refresh your bouncy curls, this oil gives you a weightless finish with a punch of hydration. Paired with other nourishing ingredients, including bay leaf and vitamin E, your hair will have a gorgeous sheen all day long. Texture Spray : Gives a lived-in texture, with a refreshing scent that is perfect for touch-ups on second day hair. The texture spray acts as a dry shampoo to absorb oil and style in one convenient step. Crystal Spotlight: Mica + Quartz These clear crystals are considered the “master healer”, said to amplify your mood by absorbing, storing, and releasing negative energy. It is also said to aid in concentration and memory. Clear crystals help stimulate the immune system and balance out your entire body. Style Tip : I have named this product my “good vibes spray” in my kit because anytime I use it not only does my hair feel refreshed but so does my energy. I spray around the crown chakra and gently scrunch the hair in upward motions for added volume and texture. Crown + Crystal Care When it comes to looking after your crown chakra, your hair is a direct reflection of the care and love you give it. Starting with your shower routine, the products you use on your scalp can either alleviate common issues or cause them to worsen. The AIR® Fragrance Free Diamond Shampoo gently cleanses the hair with an infusion of diamond, sage, and amla. Sage removes build up, enhances natural shine and stimulates hair growth while amla delivers essential fatty-acids that penetrate the hair follicle for a soft, voluminous finish. Paired with diamond, which represents purity, perfection, and spiritual power, this combination will leave you and your hair glowing. Follow up with the AIIR Fragrance Free Diamond Conditioner which is formulated for sensitive skin. It is infused with reishi mushroom to deliver restorative anti-inflammatory properties that will protect fragile hair and restore moisture, all while making your hair softer and more manageable. Stella Spa Day Ready to take your crown care to the next level? A scalp ritual is a great addition to your next Stella Spa Day. The best time for scalp rituals is during the waxing or waning of the moon depending on your intentions. Pro-tip: When we want to clear negative energy, stress, bad habits or thoughts, a scalp detox is a great way to do so prior to a full moon. This symbolizes renewal and allows you to leave these toxic traits behind. I like to use selenite or labradorite during this ritual to help push out the bad and rein in positive, healing energy. Crystals I use during my scalp ritual: Malachite: Absorbs negative energies and pollutants from the atmosphere and from the body Orange Selenite: (stone of Taurus) Clearing, Stabilizing, aids in self confidence and passion  Moonstone: Heightens intuition and opens us up to our gifts  Purple Fluorite: Alleviates stress, spiritual discomfort, and physical blockages.  Pro-Tip: An essential oil scalp massage is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day or to add in as a pre-shampoo step to lock in moisture. Nurturing rituals can be optimized during a waxing crescent moon, which is right before a full moon, to support your new goals and manifestations. How to cleanse, charge, and store your stones: Use a water bath with himalayan salt for non porous (smooth) crystals. I recommend using a smooth stone or finish so it is easier to clean off any products that were used with them. For extra healing power, I love to leave my crystals under the moonlight on a full moon. Store your crystals for 12 plus hours on a selenite slab or tray away from direct sunlight. Sage and smudging is a great way to clear any stones in between uses. When to charge them? Charging your crystals is important, especially if you use them often. Full moons are a good time to recharge your crystals because the vibration is at its highest! Some stones have self-charging properties and are even capable of changing others, including selenite, citrine, and kyanite. Mindful Morning Routine A mindful morning routine is a great opportunity to set yourself up for having a great day. Simple habits can be implemented into your morning routine to enhance your mindset, all while achieving great hair using AIIR Professional products. Here is how to include AIIR Professional products into your morning routine to cultivate a positive mindset throughout the entire day. 
1. Journal: First thing in the morning, write down a few things that you are grateful for before getting the day started. I like to follow up by setting realistic goals, big or small, for the day that I can focus on accomplishing. 2. Movement: Movement first thing in the morning allows our body and mind to fully wake up. A simple stretch or yoga flow is all you need to get the blood flowing and your morning started on the right foot. 3. Cleanse: Renewing your energy in the morning can allow you to start the day with a fresh perspective. Using a palo santo stick a couple times a week to clear negative energy and invite in fresh, positive energy. 4. Intention Setting: Using the the AIIR sapphire shampoo & conditioner, read the affirmation on the back (sapphire meaning inner strength) and then imagine washing away what you want to release and visualize what you want to receive. 5. Style: Lastly, it is time to style your hair for the day, and do it with purpose. Using the AIIR Professional products, think about what stone is in each product, read the affirmation on the bottle, and try to channel that energy of the crystal chosen in the product.  Be sure to check out the AIIR Professional Hair Care line and start implementing these mindful habits into your morning routine if you are looking to cultivate positive energy in 2022. And for a true taste of the AIIR Professional experience, you can attend the AIIR Gathering . This two-day event will help realign your energy while strengthening your hair styling skills alongside other talented hairstylists.

Lifestyle Reset with Seven Gems Yoga We all need a little reset in life, and the new year is a great time to implement new habits in our routine. This year, I am prioritizing my entire well-being and taking you along with me on my journey to strengthening my mind, body, soul (and hair!). Be sure to follow my entire transformation process on Instagram @you_look_stella, where I will be sharing weekly updates and tips along the way. Seven Gems Yoga is a total mind and body transformation process designed to introduce new mindful habits into your daily life. I will be working with Jessica Jaide , a registered Yoga teacher with over 200 hours of Yoga Alliance in her practice. Jessica Jaide is the founder and owner of Seven Gems Yoga. Seven Gems yoga is designed to align the seven chakras within our body, through the practice of yoga, mediation, and Pranayama based on that chakra. Throughout this journey, we will visualize being aligned with the universe, spreading peace & enlightenment, growing into our highest authentic self. The Seven Gems Process We start the Seven Gems process by creating a safe space to develop our practice, known as an Altar, or a space that will provide you with a spiritual landscape for your journey. Jessica explains, “An Altar is a very important part of where you practice, this sets the mood and energy for your space. Your alter may include the 5 elements (earth, air, water, fire, space) such as planets, candles, crystals, sage, oracle cards, pictures of loved ones that have passed on, and statues of spiritual leaders you look up to and believe in can help guide you in your journey.” My Altar will include various crystals and items that resonate with my highest self. A few of my favorite crystals are rose quartz -- the stone of unconditional love, orange Selenite -- which offers potent energies capable of initiating a spiritual awakening, and Tigers eye -- to harness inner strength and remind myself to stand a little taller. Other elements I will include in my space include a succulent, a small bowl of water, and himalayan rock salt. As I go throughout my journey, I will explain in further detail the various meanings behind each of these items. Palo Santo, which is used to relieve stress and clear negative energy, and daily Tarot card readings will also be a part of my journey. Be on the look out for more Tarot card readings on Instagram @you_look_stella. What's Your Sign The moon sign, or birth chart, of a person refers to the time and place you were born and how the stars in the sky were aligned. This determines your zodiac sign, personality traits, and predictions for your future and reveals your past life. For example, Jessica’s chart shows the time she was born, known as the sun sign (most dominant sign), is Gemini. Her rising sun, or ascendant sign (how people perceive you) is cancer. And last but not least, her moon sign (how you show emotion) is Pisces. Jessica says, “These are 3 very important aspects of birth charts, anyone who is interested in astrology and birth charts should not overlook these 3! Another personal favorite is love looking into someone's nodes (north) shows what that person's true calling can be or what they may learn in their future. (south) nodes represent our past life and what we carry with us into the future.” Meditation, Movement, and Manifestation The main components of the Seven Gems Workshop is meditation, movement, and manifestation. The workshop is about finding what works for you, and making it so you can implements these new habits into your daily routine. Properly taking care of our well-being will allow us to show up as our best version in all aspects of life. Meditating is an important component of this transformation. Jessica says, “Mediating is where you can be your most vulnerable and peaceful self. Mediation is my safe space, without mediation my mind is like an overflowed filing cabinet and that’s not pretty. Mediation is where I organize and get rid of what is no longer useful to make room for useful information. Personally, 5-7 days of mediation helps me feel centered and functional. This can be different for all people, constantly is key if you are not committing even 5 minutes to yourself and your practice daily you will not see impact and change in your mental health.” Join me in meditating every morning by posting the #meditatewithstella on Instagram. In addition to meditating, daily movement is also essential to feeling my best. The workshop will focus on breath-to-body movement with the practice of yoga at the core of the Seven Gems workshop. Lastly, we dive deep into the power of manifesting and creating our dream life through visualization. Jessica says , “I am rather fond and amazed by the third eye chakra and how powerful it truly can be with the power of manifestation with visualization and imagination. The crystals lapis, sodalite, are my two personal favorite crystals I always associate with the third eye chakra. Azurite, lolite, amethyst crystals are often used for third eye chakra as well.” Good Vibes, Great Hair I am a firm believer that when your mind is at its optimal state, so is your hair. Our hair is a great indicator of whether or not our well-being is being taken care of. Overall, a healthy lifestyle, mindset, and diet will help promote healthier, fuller, shinier hair. When we provide our hair to thrive in a healthy environment and nourish it from the inside out, we will start to see improvements in texture, shine, and bounce. As a hairstylist, the crown chakra, or the mind’s eye, are the main focus of my journey. Jessica says, “Visualizing in the mind's eye the crown chakra and the scalp growing from each row and strand of hair. This beautiful picture of hair flowing with purple vibrating energy and stimulation is a way to create circulation through the mind's eye. The second example can be cleansing and clearing the crown chakra with sage above the crown and listening to the crown chakra Hertz to open the crown chakra along with the first visualization.” Blood circulation has so much to do with shiny, strong hair health. Aside from using scalp scrubs and a scalp massaging brush, you can increase scalp circulation with crystals and meditation. Stimulating the scalp increases blood flow which encourages the nutrients to evenly absorb into the hair follicle. Stella's Transformation As a hairstylist, and within any profession, our schedules are full and it is easy to neglect self-care. Between traveling to on-site appointments with clients and in-salon visits, time management has always been important for juggling my schedule. But it has caused me to neglect setting time aside for myself. I want to practice what I preach this year, so I am making time to prioritize that much-needed "me time" and work on my inner self. Throughout the next eight weeks, I will share updates, tips, and lessons along the way. Follow @you_look_stella on Instagram for weekly updates and behind the scenes of my Seven Gems journey. I will be meeting with Jessica Jaide once a week for a personalized session, and each session will focus on a different chakra. Understanding the different chakras and how they can impact your vibration is a helpful tool to manage stress and show up each day with better alignment with my desires. I hope to come out of this journey with my crown a little straighter and standing taller behind the chair. Be sure to check out Seven Gems Yoga if you are interested in partaking in a future workshop!

Personalized Products from a Hair Care Professional Milbon USA is a one-stop-shop for hair care with a wide range of products to target and effectively treat any and all hair concerns. The Milbon USA products are staples in the LRN Beauty salon specifically when working with different clients because we are able to personalize each experience with high-end products that cater to your desired hair goals. Every hair appointment begins with a brief consultation where we discuss my client's hair goals. Once we have a mutual understanding, I am able to determine which Milbon USA products best suit your needs. Milbon USA makes styling easy, and hair styling a luxurious experience. As a professional hairstylist and Milbon USA partner, I offer consultations to curate a personalized collection of Milbon USA products to achieve flawless results that last beyond the chair. "I started using Milbon USA products about six years ago and have been an avid user ever since. When I was first introduced to their line of products, I was an assistant hairstylist and still testing out different hair care products. Milbon products instantly stood out to me because of how effective and instant the results were. I love everything about the brand and the intentions behind their products. They offer a product for every concern, with an innovative and trusted formula that delivers results and makes styling easy." Product Recommendations My favorite line within Milbon USA is Plarmia which is formulated with anti-aging properties. If we use anti-aging skincare, why not have anti-aging hair care? I have implemented this product into my routine to help support healthy hair growth and longevity. I notice that my hair and my client's hair always has high shine and a smooth finish after using the Plarmia line. When it comes to styling at home, a frequent concern I hear is that our crown lacks fullness, volume, shine, and or texture. Luckily, Milbon USA has a product to fix each of those concerns, and simultaneously strengthen the hair cuticle to promote healthy hair growth. To achieve the results you are after, here are five of my top-rated products I frequently recommend to clients. Top 5 Must Have Styling Products The Plarmia Mousse is one of my favorite products for achieving a luxurious feel and overall shine. The carbonated formula leaves a sticky feeling, but once heat-activated it creates volume without any extra effort. How to use: Apply Plarmia Mousse on damp hair at the roots and comb through with a wide tooth comb. Let the hair air dry to about 90% before blow drying. Take a round brush and blow dryer to activate the product, and use lifting motions to create volume in the roots. Pro-tip: The mousse is flexible and airy, giving your hair lots of volume with a matte finish. This product is great for thin or fine hair textures who are looking to add more fullness without any greasy effect. The Thickening Mist 4 is a heat protectant and volume-enhancing product in one. Not only is it great for a traditional blow dry to provide extra control, the honey and shine-enhancing ingredients help boost shine without feeling stiff or crunchy like traditional hair-sprays. How to use : Apply to towel-dried hair from root to tip before blow drying. To fluff a two-day-old blow dry, you can lightly mist your roots, reapply heat, and a run brush to pump up the volume! Pro-tip: I like to use this on the tips of my fingers when I'm braiding to help catch those tiny stubborn hairs we sometimes miss without having to use sticky hair spray. This product is easily pliable when being used to define or sleek strands.
 The Texture Spray 4 is a gentle powder mist used to help fill the hair gaps, plumping up the hair follicles to provide a long-lasting lift. Not to mention, this spray has a lovely smell and is terrific to use on second day hair for a quick refresh. How to use : Spray throughout the mid-shaft to ends to refresh waves. Then, for a light dry shampoo moment, mist the roots, and massage it in to add volume. I like to use this on second day hair when it looks flat and needs extra lift. Pro-tip: Use the Texture Spray to create grit in the hair when creating hairstyles that require extra pulling and messing, like a messy braid or voluminous up-do. The Wet Shine Gel is a pomade that comes in two strengths to tame frizz while adding extra hold for a polished look. Wet Shine Gel Cream 5 is a slippery high gloss with just enough hold before it becomes stiff, while Wet Shine Gel Cream 8 adds a satin finish and more powerful hold.  How to use : Wet Shine Gel 5 is perfect for creating sleek ponytails, detailed up-dos, tight braids, or taming fly-aways. The flexible formula allows you to manipulate the hair with ease. If you have a thicker or coarse hair texture, use Wet Shine Gel 8 for extra hold and controlling purposes. Pro-tip: To create a sleek braid, use a Mason Pearson brush or a boar brush mixed with synthetic bristles for a smooth glass-like finish. While braiding, keep a dab of the Wet Shine Gel 8 on the back of your hand to reapply for proper saturation and extra manipulation.  Pro-tip: Use the Wet Shine Gel 5 to create that bushy brow look. Grab yourself a reusable mascara wand and lightly brush through the hairs in an upward motion and lay them flat against the skin. Wait for the product to dry for more hold and they will be set in place all day.
 The Wave Mousse 4 is great for refreshing natural or styled curls with added texture. The secret ingredient, beeswax, helps to give hair a shiny, smooth finish. It gets rid of frizz and fights humidity, with a soft hold to keep curls in place. How to use : Lightly mist your hair to dampen before applying the product. Then, apply a generous amount of the mousse in scrunching motions from ends to mid shaft to saturate hair, leaving a shiny, smooth outcome. Pro-tip: For extra definition in natural curls, use a diffuser attachment with a blow dryer on towel-dried hair to activate the product and lock in your curls. Winter Shower Routine A good head of hair starts with a quality shower routine. During the colder months, I opt for moisture-infusing products that revive the hair follicles and leave behind an extra shine. These are my go-to shampoo, conditioners, and scalp treatments from Milbon USA for the winter season to replenish, repair, and refresh the hair before styling. Moisture Replenishing Shampoo: This ultra moisturizing shampoo leaves hair frizz-free with added shine. Our hair requires a little extra moisture during the winter months to limit static, dryness, brittle ends, and tangles.  Heat Protectant Repair Conditioner: Excessive heat is the number one cause of fragile strands. The heat protect repair conditioner treats this issue with a powerful silk complex formula to restore the strands from the inside out. Plarmia Scalp Balancing: During the dry, winter months, many of us experience an itchy, dry scalp caused from lack of exfoliation or build-up of products. With the incorporation of Ayurvedic medicine, Milbon created this product to truly cleanse and refresh the hair. This additional step can be used weekly for extra pampering to get rid of excess build-up that a regular shampoo may leave behind. That's Hot! In addition to colder weather, the extra styling that comes along with the holiday season can attribute to dry, brittle ends. Milbon has an amazing collection of heat protectants that not only protect from heat, but fight frizz for a sleek finish. Heat protection is the first step to minimize damage and defend against dead ends and excessive shedding.  The intensively researched Milbon USA formula treats the tubular gaps in the hair cuticle that occur over time as our hair experiences wear and tear. SSVR-Silk™ is a powerful, silk-based complex within each of the Milbon products that, with constistent use, improves hair’s overall integrity, root to tip. My Favorite Milbon Heat Protectants Milbon Anti-Frizz Humidity Blocking Oil : The anti-frizz oil weightlessly fights off frizz and moisturizes dry ends. This heat-activated forumala contains five superior botanical oils-jojoba, argan, baobab, olive, and shea, providing nourishment and shine to the hair. It is ideal for coarse hair that needs a quick boost of moisture. Luminous Bodifying Oil: The Luminous oil from the smooth collection is great for fine hair, giving maximum body and fullness for styling. This luxurious oil, formulated with baobab oil and collagen, fortifies and thickens limp hair while offering a barrier of protection against heat. Heat Protectant Mist : Heat protectant mists are a must before applying any heat to your hair. Protect against the damaging effects of hot tools and nourish your hair with the Milbon heat protectant mist. Apply on damp hair before blow drying, or before using any hot tools for a sleek, polished look. Weightless Replenishing Mist : This weightless mist is my go-to when my hair needs a quick refresh. The amino-acid ingredients are the building blocks to strengthening the hair follicle, leaving behind shiny, bouncy hair. I recommend this product to anyone with dry or brittle ends that needs extra moisture and shine. Personalized Hair Care Want to discover which Milbon USA products you should use and exactly how to use them to achieve effortless results at home? Milbon USA partners with hair professionals to curate your individualized hair care routine. For inquires on your personalized product recommendations, email you.look.stella@gmail.com to set up an in-person or virtual consultation. Once we discover your recommended products, they will be made available for shipment or in-salon pick up. With your new set of products you will be able to say goodbye to bad hair days for good!

A Gift Guide for Great Hair With the holiday season in full swing, You Look Stella is here to spark some inspiration for your gift-giving this year. I am sharing my favorite hair care, accessories, and tools, suitable for all hair types and needs. Those who are on the receiving end will be able to achieve salon results at home. So, give the gift of great hair this holiday season and shop my Stella-approved hair care, tools, and accessories, perfect for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa, and Christmas morning. Tools As a professional hairstylist, hair tools are an obvious staple in my hair kit, and easily one of the most essential steps in achieving effortless styles in the salon. When shopping for hair tools, I opt for items that are not only effective but will also keep the integrity of my client's hair. Our hair goes through a lot, but with these tools, you won't have to worry about causing additional damage thanks to their high-quality, patent technology. Bio Ionic offers professional and affordable hot tools with an amazing life span and a swivel base for the wire for easy use. The Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat™ Technology keeps the integrity of the hair, leaving a sleek finish. Their flat iron limits tension because it has "silicone" grips within the plates, giving a smoother and more controlled experience. For anyone on the market for a new curling iron, this is my go-to tool to create effortless waves in half the time than a traditional curling iron. The curling iron comes in different sizes to achieve loose or tight curls depending on your preference. I recommend the ceramic barrel to achieve loose curls, without any curling iron creases thanks to the clipless barrel. GHD hot tools has a sleek design that will look amazing on your bathroom counter. Each tool is preset to 365 degrees, the scientifically proven safest temperature to style your hair for the healthiest results. Their collection of tools makes styling a breeze. If someone regularly switches between straightening and curling their hair, the GHD Cordless Flat iron will allow you to create a flat iron curl or straighten your hair, so need for having multiple hot tools. The GHD Flat iron has temperature control technology and the wireless design makes for seamless use. Ibizia Hair tools cater to every texture, concern, and purpose. Ibiza Hair is among my favorite brushes to use on clients and on myself. Everyone should have a high-quality brush in their kit, especially those with unruly hair to gently de-tangle without any unnecessary breakage. The OC4,OC6 & OC7 is a must have trio, with each one designed for a different purpose but all have the main idea of de-tangling and manipulating the hair in the most effective and efficient way. From distributing product for fine textures to managing tangles with mixed bristles, these light weight brushes make hair styling easy. For our eco-conscious friends, Reverie offers an amazing line of hair brushes that are sure to meet their sustainability standards. This eco-friendly brand provides quality brushes designed to stimulate the scalp and brush through tangles with ease. The Jaspe Pneumatic bristle brush has mixed bristles made from natural boar and nylon to gently stimulate the scalp and distribute oils to the ends without breaking and snapping. The Jaspe bristle brush is an ideal gift for those with hair that easily tangles, or for anyone who loves to rock a sleek pony tail. Products With a wide range of hair care on the market, it can be hard to narrow down which product will be beneficial to the person you wish to gift. Luckily, I have shared an array of products that are designed to cater to different needs, so there is a gift for everyone. These hair products are versatile, gender-inclusive gift ideas that deliver flawless results and are staples in my hair care kit. Reverie not only offers amazing hair tools, they also provide a wide range of clean hair products. And for every bottle sold, Reverie funds the recovery and removal of twice as much ocean-bound plastic waste through our partnership with rePurpose Global. Shop t he Reverie collection for amazing products with a purpose. The Milk + Cake Duo by Reverie is a great unisex gift, combining scalp care and grooming qualities for amazing results. This dynamic duo works great to nourish and restore the strands to reveal shiny hair from scalp to end. The Cake treats the hair follicle with a powerful blend of ingredients to boost hair growth, while Milk strengthens the follicle and combats frizz for an all over shine. For your curly haired friends, The RAKE styling balm is br illiant as a curl cream. The balm provides nourishment and hold to help define your curls with ease. This lightweight balm conditions the hair while providing structure without any sticky residue that traditional curl creams often leave behind. Cult + King combines clean beauty with salon results. And their beautiful packaging makes gifting hair products a luxurious experience. My favorite combo is the Style forming lotion to help give control when the hair is damp, then adding in a good amount of Jelly to amp up the texture and movement. The Style lotion is also a great product for getting rid of fly aways. The Jelly by Cult + King is designed to reveal soft, natural curls without the need for additional products. This non-toxic formula infused with Pink Himalayan pink salt provides volume, bounce, and shine, especially when working with wavy to curly textures. For the ride or die dry shampoo users, the Cult + King Hair Powder is a clean, non-toxic alternative to keep hair fresh in between washes. The hair powders come in two shades to absorb oils and blend in seamlessly with your hair color. Often times, dry shampoos leave a white cast but with the Cult + King “light” and “dark” hair powders, this quick fix will revive your hair and can even be used to temporarily cover grays, all while nourishing the scalp with its clean ingredients designed to strengthen the hair follicle. Virtue Labs has a product for every hair concern. They offer a unique formula, free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic colors, and dyes, that truly elevates your hair care experience. The mini hair care sampler is a great gift for someone looking to switch up their routine. Try out the entire range of Virtue products and see the results for yourself. The Virtue Labs Texturizing Spray has a lovely fragrance that lasts the whole day, while giving your hair the grit it needs to pump up the volume. A texturizing spray is a great gift for those who love bounce and movement for their everyday hairstyles. Shop the minis collection, ideal for the busy people in your life, to throw in their purse and fluff throughout the day. During the holiday season, we can anticipate extra styling for parties and paired with the dryer weather, our hair needs some extra attention. The scalp treatment set and scalp brush is an amazing way to gift others with a Stella spa moment at home. Everybody needs some extra me time, and this gift is perfect for those in need of some time to unwind after the busy holiday season. Add some essential oils to a bath for shower steam and you can create whole experience.  When it comes to identifying your specific hair care needs, I offer virtual or in-person consultations to discover which products best suit your needs. Milbon USA has been my personal favorite product and always recommended to clients. The Milbon products cater to different hair care needs and instantly give the results you are after. Stay tuned for a complete list of Milbon products and uses in an upcoming blog post. Can't wait? Email you.look.stella@gmail.com for purchase inquires to get your Milbon USA products just in time for the holidays. Accessories + Aftercare Lastly, a hair kit is not complete without a collection of accessories and nighttime essentials to keep the bed head at bay. These businesses are women-owned and prioritize sustainable practices to create one-of-a-kind pieces. They are great stocking stuffers to pair with any of the hair products and tools to complete their hair kit with style. When it comes to hair accessories, LRN Beauty features a collection of statement pieces to pair with your fresh do after every visit. The featured products are from Glitter is the New Black , a women-owned small business that creates unique statement headbands and earrings that are perfect for the holiday season. If someone likes to be more understated with their accessorizing, you can't go wrong with gifting a set of satin scrunchies. They are great for the lazy hair days or to spice up your up-do without the headache from traditional hair ties. Lunya's washable silk scrunchies are one of kind in design, with adjustable tabs to tighten your pony to avoid your hair from being ripped out. Lunya prioritizes sustainable practices by using organic fabrics, free from harsh chemicals or dyes, that are good for you and the planet. Kitsch is a one-stop-shop for all your hair care basics. But the brand is anything but basic, by implementing sustainable practices and creating high-quality products for everyday use. Kitsch has a wonderful selection of hair essentials, from eco-friendly claw clips to satin sleep caps to heat-less pillow curlers , ideal for gifting those who want to use less heat on their hair. When it comes to post-shower care, help friends switch from their regular bath towel to an ultra-comfortable micro fiber towel to limit unnecessary breakage. The microfiber towel is not only adorable, but the highly absorbent, friction-free material will cut drying time in half. This is the perfect gift to complete someone's shower routine and complement their new products to promote healthy hair growth. Stella's Secret for Santa Hair products, tools, and accessories are an under-rated gift, and one of my personal favorite items to receive right before the new year. If you need help discovering which products or tools you should buy or what to ask Santa for this year, email you.look.stella@gmail.com for inquires on individualized recommendations. If not, shop the links and give the gift of great hair this holiday season with my highly recommended and most frequently used items. And as always, be sure to follow @you_look_stella on Instagram for upcoming holiday hairstyles and to stay in the know with all things Stella!

Stella’s Suggestions to Achieving Healthy Hair Throughout the years, my clients come to me with a variety of hair concerns but the one common goal is that they want to maintain healthy hair growth in-between visits. If you have struggled with growing out long, luscious hair, then these tips are for you. These simple lifestyle changes and habits will put you on the right track to achieving your hair goals. Haircare is often overlooked or not prioritized in our everyday routine. If you have neglected hair care, here is your reminder to look after yourself from head to toe. We all know the wonderful feeling of a great hair day, and with these tips, you can have a great hair day every day. I have compiled a list of 11 tips to help achieve healthier hair. Tip #1: Stay Hydrated Many of us try to hydrate our hair with products and topical treatments and forget to drink water. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for hydrating from the inside out. Hair lacking hydration is unable to retain moisture, becoming weak and brittle over time. At the end of the day, your plants need to be watered, too. Water is a key ingredient in helping the absorption of vitamins and minerals that contribute to hair growth. Believe it or not, water makes up almost 25% of the weight of a single strand of hair. Drinking at least two liters of water a day will help strengthen your hair follicles. Tip #2: Nutrition In addition to drinking enough water, nutrition plays a vital role in your hair growth. When your body is properly nourished, your hair with have more shine and bounce to it. We have all heard the saying, you are what you eat. So when it comes to healthy hair growth, eating nutritious food is essential. Nutrition plays an important role in the condition of our hair. Hair is mainly made up of a protein called keratin, which is the building block for each hair follicle. Ensure you are consuming an adequate amount of protein each day paired with other nutrient-dense, whole foods. Lacking important nutrients and vitamins in your diet may be the reason behind slow hair growth or even hair loss. Many of the vitamins required for healthy hair come from the foods we eat, such as Vitamin A, C, and E. Nuts, fruits, and vegetables have abundant sources of vitamins and should be eaten regularly. As a hairstylist, I can provide you the knowledge on what makes hair grow, product recommendations, preventative techniques, and salon hair care services, but if your diet is lacking essential nutrients then you may never see the results you are after. If you feel there is a discrepancy in your diet, we recommend consulting a licensed physician and finding the root of the issue. Our hair can give us the “heads up” about things going on with our health. If you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, diet may be the issue. Tip #3 Always brush your hair Brushing your hair provides many benefits beyond detangling and smoothing out your hair. The act of brushing hair helps to evenly distribute the natural oils accumulated at the scalp to the ends of your hair, where moisture is often lacking. Brushing your hair also promotes proper scalp circulation, encouraging blood flow and growth. Having slower or weak circulation in the scalp can cause thinning or irregular shedding. Shedding between 50 to 100 strands of hair when you brush is completely normal and helps remove the ‘loose hair’. Choosing the proper brush and technique is also an important part of brushing your hair. Use a brush designed for wet hair when brushing your hair out after a shower. Hair in a frozen or wet state is more susceptible to breakage, so always start from the ends when detangling your mane to avoid extra pulling and limit excessive shedding. Using a detangling spray on dry hair can also limit breakage and shorten the detangling process. Tip #4: Know your Texture When it comes to hair types and textures, it is never one size fits all. But having a basic understanding of your hair texture will allow you to understand and utilize products designed for your specific hair type. There are many variables that come into play that can affect your hair texture, and the easiest way to manage unruly hair is to understand what you are dealing with. Different textures require different attention. Do you have fine-medium texture or thick to coarse? Does your hair in a dry super curly, wavy, irregular curl pattern? Do you have pin-straight, straight hair? Is your hair frizzy, and unruly? Do you color your hair or natural never before dyed? Narrow down your hair type so you can use products and techniques to further promote healthy hair growth. And understanding your texture will eliminate the need for unnecessary steps in your hair care routine. Tip #5: Frequent Haircuts Visiting the salon more often can promote better hair conditions and faster growth. The reason for this is because our hair naturally splits at the ends due to environmental, mechanical, and processing damage. When the split starts and does not get cut, it acts like a broken zipper and splits upwards. Deep conditioning treatments and split-end remedies are not enough to mend your broken ends. Visiting the salon every 2-3 months for trims will rid your hair of dead ends and allow new, healthy hair to take its place. From personal experience and being in the industry, I understand the fear of getting too much hair cut off when you simply want a trim. At You Look Stella, we have a term called “FAIRY DUST.” The term “haircut” comes with the stigma that your hair is getting chopped off. I like to approach certain hair journeys with fairy dust trims, where we dust the perimeter to refresh your look and remove dead ends while still keeping the length. I recommend my clients who get fairy dusts to visit me every 10-14 weeks. When we stay in this close time frame, along with proper at-home care, we can maintain our ends and still keep our hair long and thriving. Tip #6: Stress Management High-stress levels may be affecting your hair growth. Stress can cause hair follicles to move into a ‘resting’ phase where they are unable to grow. The hair begins to thin or fall out easily when our stress is not properly managed. I always preach about how the environment we let ourselves thrive in affects our hair growth. There are certain hormones and body responses that coincide with hair growth and the hair cycle. If we can lower stress levels and increase the sense of ease in our bodies, we can promote healthy, fuller hair. Stress is inevitable in most of our lives, so finding healthy ways to manage it is necessary, not only for your hair, but your overall well being. Mindful meditation and breathing are simple techniques I use day to day when I feel overwhelmed. Managing stress looks different for everyone, but having practices in place when these inevitable stressors occur will help limit the release of stress hormones that affect healthy hair growth. Tip #7: Stella Spa day for hair A great way to unwind and de-stress is a Stella spa day! Make sure your next spa day includes some love for your hair. Many of us love to invest in our skincare, but when it comes to hair care, we tend to lack the same enthusiasm. Combine your skincare routine with your hair care routine so you never slack on your treatments. If you are throwing on a face mask, double up and add in a hair mask! Skin and hair combo treatments make for the perfect pamper night. With busy schedules, it can be hard to set time aside to truly pamper yourself. Even if you have twenty extra minutes in your day, utilizing this time to nurture your hair can make all the difference in your hair game. Some of my favorite ways to treat my hair are with pre-shampoo treatment oils and aromatherapy scalp oils to lock in moisture and encourage healthy hair growth. Let your skincare be the pioneer for your hair care, and pamper yourself from head to toe. Tip #8: Bedtime Routine Prepping your hair for bedtime may help alleviate breakage. If you are someone who likes to shower at night and sleep with wet hair, this may be affecting your hair from growing. When your hair is wet, the elasticity is at an all-time high. It becomes more prone to snapping or breaking because the strands are more flexible. When we sleep, we tend to move around. Between the hair being wet and friction happening against our pillow, this can create tangles, knots, and static. One of the best bedtime sleeping habits is to wear your hair in a loose top knot, simple dutch braid, or even in a silk wrap. Silk or satin pillowcases are also a great investment because the material has less friction and conditions the hair. For textures that are curly, dry, or prone to tangles, try using a serum or hair oil before bed to help nourish ends and promote more slip within each hair strand. Using these practices will alleviate breakage and visible flyaways. Tip #9: Product Education Sometimes products get a bad wrap for not performing the way they promise. Heat protectants, serums, pre-shampoo oils, dry shampoo, hairspray, anti-frizz cream, deep conditioners, texture sprays, if you need to fix an hair issue there is a product out there for you. But be wary of products that contain excessive ingredients. Look for clean, natural products that do not contain harsh chemicals. Products that contain sulfates, dyes, and other harsh chemicals are most likely only concealing the issue rather than fixing it. Finding products that work for your hair can be a journey, which is why I now offer product consultations to pinpoint exactly which product is best for you. Depending on your goals, I can recommend a personalized hair regimen that you can implement into your daily routine. Book a consultation today to uncover my favorite products recommended just for you. Tip #10: Accessorize Accessorizing is a great way to change up your look without breaking the bank. If you are looking for low-maintenance hair, accessories are where it's at. Using the right accessories can also help limit the amount of damage and strain we are putting on our hair. Rather than using traditional rubber hair ties, opt for satin scrunchies that only limit breakage but also add to your look. If ponytails are a staple hairstyle for you, most traditional hair ties are too tight with tension and can promote breakage at the ponytail site. Swapping out a traditional rubber band for a satin or silk scrunchie not only preserves the integrity of your hair but also makes for a great statement piece. My go-to accessories are statement bobby pins, silk headbands, and headscarves. They are versatile and less damaging to your hair. Tip #11: Enjoy the Journey Sometimes certain hair goals take time, especially when it comes to drastically changing your hair color, repairing damaged hair, or growing out short hair. When it comes to coloring and dying your hair, typically professional hairstylists recommend several visits to reach your desired color. Of course, we want you to have the hair of your dreams, but we must keep in mind the integrity of your hair. So when you hear it may take 3-4 sessions, try not to be disappointed. Please take your stylist's advice on how to go about the transformation! For instance, the journey of going blonde can be a long process, but it can also be fun along the way. As you make your way through the stages of color, you can play with different tones and techniques. Why not have five different looks as you strive for your goal! Now, do not get me wrong, I am all for instant gratification, but some transformations take a little more time than others. So trust the process and enjoy the ride. When talking about hair journeys, it is not all about color. You can have a hair growth journey, growing out a bang, or maybe a journey of product discovery. Even as a stylist, my hair journey is ever-evolving. There are so many brands, trends, and techniques that pique my interest. Do not be afraid to try something new if your old ways are not working. I hope these tips have brought some clarity to your hair journey. As a professional hairstylist, I find it so important for my clients to know about hair care so they can manage their hair between visits. And remember, consistency is key. So if long, luscious hair is your goal, implement these healthy habits into your routine today. And share your hair care secrets with us on Instagram @you_look_stella!

Say Good Bye to Bad Hair Days Haircuts are truly transformative, which is why a bad haircut is all it takes for many of us to shy away from visiting the salon. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, the importance of a great haircut is often overlooked by many stylists. Throughout the years, I have seen and heard it all when it comes to your hair concerns. Many of us can walk out of the salon feeling like we received a great haircut only to discover we have no idea how to style it on our own. That is why I prioritize educating my clients on the proper tools and products to use on their hair to achieve similar results at home. Trust the Process When it comes to my haircut process, I like to begin with a detailed consultation every visit. I focus on three important components: your daily routine, career lifestyle, and general lifestyle. This allows me to understand how you style your hair and how much effort you are willing to put into the look. For example, someone who is on the go with a busy career or perhaps has children and is always on the run, I would give something low maintenance and simple for styling. In addition, we talk about what their thoughts are for themselves and what their end goal is. Once we have a mutual understanding of what look we are going for, I will send you off to shampoo, followed by a clean natural blowout first. If you are someone where looking your best is imperative, I will talk about more of a statement haircut and styling routine. For example, a blowdry package? or the right hot tool choice and hair care system for at-home prep! My Method For longer-length hair, I use a dry-cut technique, as this allows more control and lessens the likelihood of over-cutting. The most common concern I hear behind the chair is that the client wants to maintain the length but is constantly worried about cutting too much off. Something I like to call haircut trauma. Sometimes all it takes is that one bad experience to ruin each visit to the hair salon. With this technique, clients return to my chair more often to promote healthy hair growth. It may sound counter-intuitive to visit the salon more frequently when the end goal is to grow your hair. This misconception is why many of us do not visit the salon as often, yet our hair never seems to grow past a certain length. Frequent trims are essential for removing dead-ends and allowing new, healthy hair to take its place. Using a "Fairy Dust” method, I clean up the already established line and create shape. When it comes to the face-framing in a cut, cowlicks and possible weak points can easily be over-cut when the hair is cut wet because the tension changes. Using this as your vision will help troubleshoot things we may not control when the hair is in a frozen state. Therefore, I create strong lines in the perimeter to support the soft free form cutting I do within the interior of the hair. Over the years of perfecting this technique, I have come to find my clients are more confident in me as their stylists. Clients become more open to coming in closer for haircuts because they learn that taking off the fuzzy stuff supports their healthy hair growth. A technique created around trusting the process.  My Journey What made me become a hairstylist was a combination of true love for the art of hairstyling and ironically, my own experience with haircut trauma. I grew up with a fabulous Aunt who worked in the industry for over 40 years. She was someone who inspired me to do what I love and taught me everything I know about hair, communication, and creating good wholesome relationships in the industry. Having a family member who knew how to cut hair seemed like a blessing, but all jokes aside, she also gave me some of my least favorite haircuts. My aunt cut predominantly using the wet technique, which lead her to often over-cut my hair when sometimes all I wanted was a minor tweak here and there. At the young age of 9, I started to understand the art of haircutting. I cut my own bangs at 6 (not my best work), but it quickly escalated from there. I loved to watch America's next top model and critique how the hairstylist did the hair for editorial shoots. Now being able to style for my own editorial shoots, which you can find in my portfolio, my younger self would be pinching herself. As I got older, I was too cool to go to my aunt for haircuts, so I ventured out into going to a salon. As most of us have experienced, finding a stylist we fully trust with our precious hair is a difficult task. I must have had a haircut from every stylist and for too many years I just never felt heard. At that moment, as a freshman in high school, I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist to be the change the hair industry desperately needed. Professional Career The road to becoming a professional hairstylist began at the Aveda Institute in NYC. From there, I took on many roles in the beauty industry. As an educator for Drybar, and worked in 3 of their top NYC locations. I also trained under several master stylists at Warren Tricomi, including Edward Tricomi himself. Today, I am the founder of You Look Stella, a place where both men and women can feel educated and supported when it comes to their hair. I have created a technique for dry haircutting that improves hair growth and healthy trust between stylist and client. Currently, I am a senior stylist at LRNBeautyNYC. “Truthfully, the best thing about my job is when clients feel so incredibly confident and feel more in touch with hair care because they finally have the proper knowledge. Overall, I wanted to support clients who don't feel heard, giving hair care clarity to all!” My specialties include precision dry haircutting and various hair extensions, along with incredible hair care knowledge when it comes to products. You can find me on fashion and editorial shoots or styling hair for brides-to-be when I am not behind the chair. LRN Beauty NYC LRN Beauty is a hidden gem in the heart of the West Chelsea Art gallery district. We are a hair salon, but we also feature exclusive emerging artists seen throughout the salon. This is a fantastic feature for our clients because there is always something new to look forward to on your next visit. Aside from that, the Founder of LRN Beauty NYC also has a bridal agency where you can inquire about on-location bridal services or special occasions with any of her LRNstylist. Being an independent salon, we are a small curated team of talented artists. We all have our specialties, so you can feel you're getting top-quality services from true professionals. We offer a broad range of services from traditional hair services like cut and color to extensions, keratin, bridal, brow needs, lashes exclusive earring and jewelry line by Glitter is The New Black and continually growing with more to come. We are your one-stop shop for just about anything you need!  We are also well known for our presence on "TikTok" for our Behind the scene TikToks. From time to time, you may notice a few TikTok stars in the chair next to you. Icons like Serena Kerrigan, Audrey Peters, and Davis Burleson from time to time in the salon. As small businesses, we value what other small businesses have to bring to the industry. We love to stay inspired and collab with other small businesses and indie brands. As the master stylist of LRN, I keep myself motivated by always being open to new brands and education. I am constantly trying out new products and doing further research as my clients bring me new concerns as they go through their hair journey. My Recommendations As a hairstylist, I have tried an array of products throughout the years, and only a few brands have made it to the LRN Beauty shelves for everyday use. I now offer product consultations for those of you looking to discover which products I use and exactly how to use them. Book a product consultation with me today to discover which products work best for you to achieve salon results at home. Here are some of my favorite products to use on clients: Milbon creative texture sprays 4 - great for giving volume without the sticky grit feel. Powder-based so it can reduce the look of oily roots. Soft perfume smell. Milbon luminous oil - Comes in fine or coarse for different textures. Softens and adds body without weighing down the style. It provides heat protection for dry styling. A little goes a long way!  Virtue scalp scrub- Promotes scalp circulation and cleansing. Soft beads that dissolve.  Milbon Plarmia mousse- Perfect air drying mousse. Super lightweight but has medium hold when round brush styling. give hair high shine and detangling properties Loreal root spray- Great for emergencies if you can't get to the salon in time! A light mist that easily shampoos out. Temporarily covers grey or regrowth, with multiple colors available to choose from. Must Have Hot Tools Dyson Hairdryer/ Parlux powerlight385: high quality, compact sizing, powerful.  Bio ionic Curling iron gold series: long-lasting, visually, really lovely. Comes in every size. GHD Flat iron- temperature control technology, curved design for seamless use: no creasing. Easy to create a flat iron curl. 
Hair is meant for accessorizing and LRN Beauty offers a wide selection of hair accessories that can be purchased after your visit to spice up your hair game. Check out my favorite ways to accessorize: Chunky headbands: Great for a pop of color when going monochrome next day blowout. Large claw clip: Helps preserve blowouts with creases while still looking cute. Silk hair scarf: Wear it bandana style to tame the volume. Wear it in a tied-up or knotted headband for less tension at the hairline. Over-sized silk scrunchies: Great for messy buns, ponytails, and low ponies. Satin is a flexible, naturally conditioning material that can give more slip and less tension. Wide brim hat: Great for changing a look up and also perfect for bad hair days or hiding oily roots! In the fall especially, going with the cozy vibe, little woo-woo witchy, Stevie Nicks moment!
 For more recommendations on products, tools, and hairstyles, be sure to subscribe the You Look Stella blog, to never miss a post and stay in the know with all my Stella Secrets. Join the You Look Stella community today by following me on Instagram @you_look_stella for all the behind the scenes of the LRN Beauty salon. 
 If you are sitting in my chair, you can feel confident that you will be receiving the highest quality service, both in cut and style. It can challenging to find a hairstylist who understands your vision and can bring it to life, but I have made it my mission to give sustainable haircuts that will have you already wanting to book your next appointment.