Category Archives: Hair

Typical Josie’s Mother

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Josie Capelli, the main character in my enovel, Towel Dry and a Good Cry, has an overbearing, overprotective, Italian Catholic mother. This scene was taken from the novel. Two of Josie’s brother’s go at it while they are visiting their parents and her mother takes charge of the situation.  Mind you, the brothers are in their mid-twenties!

“Now, boys,” my mother intervened. “Let’s go in and discuss this.”

“And you.” She grabbed Tony’s ear and proceeded to pull him in the house, “Stop annoying your brother.”

“Oww,” Tony squealed.

She let go of his ear when they got to the steps and slapped him upside the back of his head. He looked over his shoulder at me and rolled his eyes. I laughed silently and pointed my finger at him and mouthed, “Ha ha.” At least someone else but me was getting my mother’s wrath. He gave me the finger behind his back.

If you haven’t read, Towel Dry and a Good Cry yet, have a look at the book trailer and check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

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Excerpt From Towel Dry and a Good Cry

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A lot of hairdressers can relate to how it feels emotionally to have to shave a cancer patients hair off. I included a few scenarios regarding this particular subject in my novel because I felt the general public doesn’t have a clue what a hairdresser is enduring as well as the client. Here is one of those scenarios in  my novel, Towel Dry and a Good Cry. Josie, the main character, and hairdresser, goes to pick up her best friend Sadie, also a hairdresser, for an evening out.

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It was a nippy evening. The wind was blowing so ferociously it could blow you across the street. As I rang Sadie’s doorbell, a gust came up and pushed me. I had plastered my hair so much with hairspray it moved in the wind in one piece, like a wig. It was leather weather. This was fine with me because I could wear my favorite leather, a white midi. Sadie answered the door. Her makeup-less face was chalky, and at first glance there was darkness behind her eyes. I felt an instant lump in my stomach because I was sure she was going to tell me something bad.

“What’s wrong?” I said. “Have you been crying?”

“I have. I let it all get to me today.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“CANCER! That’s what I mean. Come upstairs.” She kicked the door shut.

Sadie took the stairs two at a time, and I followed. She sat Indian-style on the chenille-covered bed. I sat next to her.

“What the hell is going on, man? You’re scaring me.”

“I thought I could handle it, I really did, Josie.” Tears spilled from her lower eyelids. “At first, working at the Cancer Institute wasn’t bad. I just had to get over the initial shock of people actually going through chemo and losing their hair. But it’s still a total mind-blower to shave someone’s head. One lady that hadn’t even started chemo yet wanted me to shave her head so it would be her choice, not the chemo’s. Day in and day out, I listen to these sad stories, and it’s killing me. Doesn’t anyone see it’s hard for me, too? I’m the one who has to shave their head and make them feel good, while they are bawling their eyes out, and I’m doing it as their dignity drops to the floor, section by section. I can’t take it anymore.”

I tried to comfort her. I realized then this was a completely new torture of the trade. When a woman suffered the trauma of hair loss, the first place she turned to was her salon—her trusted hairdresser.

*******

I’m not going to tell you anymore because the next part is so heart wrenching I think the reader needs to read it themselves.

I have an excerpt from this scene in my video book trailer.

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

Next week I’m going to post another excerpt, this time it will be funny, I promise!

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New Technology For Hair Transplants, The NeoGraph

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neograph

Finally new technology in transplanting hair! The newest advancement in hair transplantation is the NeoGraph. I am by no means endorsing this procedure because I haven’t even seen anyone that has had it done yet! I was fascinated by this technology and thought anyone looking into a hair transplant might find this interesting.

Hair transplants have come a long way since what I used to see years ago ‘behind my chair’ at the salon.  No longer are they a plug or clump of many hairs coming out of one follicle, similar to a dolls head of hair.  Scars have been more minimal, and hair has been transplanted in individual hairs, looking more natural, and placed in a natural hair growth pattern instead of the old horse shoe way of placing the hair around the hairline looking so obviously transplanted.

The problem, however, especially for hairstylists, has been the scar in the back of the head of hair from harvesting the hair. From my own experience, it has always been difficult to cut and blend a head of hair with a scar from ear to ear in the back of the head. This also limits the client as to how short they can go with their haircuts.

NeoGraph is a new technique more efficient and a less traumatic harvest of the follicle units compared to the ‘strip harvest’. With NeoGraph, individual follicular units are encircled by a tiny surgical punch attached to a devise.  When suction is applied by the NeoGraph Machine, the graphs are then automatically extracted from the donor area.  These follicular units are then carefully separated and are ready for transplantation.

So what does all this mean to the layperson thinking about a transplant?

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In a nutshell, rather than basically having an operation and having a long strip of a scar from ear to ear in the back of the head and having intravenous or intra-muscular sedation this procedure is done with local anesthetic and does not have the scar or down time as the old method.  The hair is extracted from all over the head rather than in a straight line strip.

Having the NeoGraph done, hair can be worn short without fear of a scar showing and can also be used to transplant hair to an existing scar.

Other advantages of having this way of hair transplanting done are, shorter operating time and recovery time, no scalpel is used or sutures or staples, a more minimal risk of pain from nerve damage and damage to occipital or temporal blood vessels, a minimal risk of bleeding and most of all a bigger yield of hair graphs compared to the strip method.

But…there is always one thing, a price to pay, if you will, the head has to be shaved to do the procedure.

Just like anything else, do your homework and find the best Board Certified plastic surgeon for the best results. Talk to people that have had it done for the real low-down.

Judy DeLuca’s latest novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips.

 

 

 

Clothing of The 80’s

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I don’t think anything will surpass the styles and clothing of the 80’s! The clothing of the 80’s, the hair, and the fashion accessories were crazy.  As a hairdresser in the 80’s I lived through it all and thought it was a great time frame to set my novel, Towel Dry and a Good Cry, in.  If you’re a hairdresser or have ever stepped foot in a salon or lived through the eighties this is a must read.  If you’re Catholic or Italian, prepare for a lot of laughs. Join Josie Capelli, the main character, in this heartfelt story of truth, trust and love.

Here’s some great clothing from of the 80’s:

80's 2780's 380's 1480's 880's 780's 1680's 1780's 1880's 2380's 1980's 2080's 2180's 2480's 2280's 2680's 2580's 2980's 30Michael Jackson on Victory Tourgrunge 7

If you love the 80’s take a look at other blog posts I have on, 80’s fashion accessories, 80’s shoe trends, hairstyles of the 80’s and the Grunge Era.

Follow me on Pinterest for more on the 80’s.

Judy DeLuca’s latest novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

 

 

 

 

Fashion Accessories of the 80’s

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I don’t think anything will surpass the styles of the 80’s! The fashion accessories of the 80’s, the clothing and the hair were crazy.  As a hairdresser in the 80’s I lived through it all and thought it was a great time frame to set my novel, Towel Dry and a Good Cry, in.  If you’re a hairdresser or have ever stepped foot in a salon or lived through the eighties this is a must read.  If you’re Catholic or Italian, prepare for a lot of laughs. Join Josie Capelli, the main character, in this heartfelt story of truth, trust and love.

Here are some great fashion accessories of the 80’s:

80's 180's 280's 380's 480's 580's 680's 780's 980's 1080's 1180's 1280's 1380's 2880's 25bannana clipbendersFor more 80’s memorabilia or hair and beauty tips follow me on Pinterest.

Judy DeLuca’s latest novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

 

Eyebrow Shapes

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There are five facial shapes, oval, round, long, square, heart and diamond.  Each facial shape has an eyebrow shape that looks best on them.

The correct eyebrow shape can flatter a facial shape and minimize a particular feature with the exception of the oval face.  Eyebrow shape plays no role in making the face appear oval because it’s already oval.

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OVAL: An oval face is considered the ideal face shape.  A soft angled brow is the perfect eyebrow shape.

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DIAMOND: A curved brow softens the angles of a diamond face shape and makes the widest portion of the face appear less wide.

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HEART: A low arch round eyebrow shape creates a natural look.  A high arch round eyebrow shape adds length to a shorter heart shape face. The curve of the brow also creates the heart like look of the face.

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SQUARE: Angled eyebrow shapes create balance.  The thicker stronger color and shape balances a heavier jawline.  A defined peak at the top of the brow makes the brow appear stronger.

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LONG: A flat straight horizontal brow shape line makes a long face appear shorter.

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ROUND: Creating as high an arch as possible makes the face less round by making the face longer.

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty tips and info.

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips.

Bangs Are In For Spring

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bangsBlunt bangs are the statement for spring!  If you are not daring enough to cut them, clip-in bangs are a great option.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips.

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

 

 

 

 

Red Hair Making a Comeback!

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Get your red on! Thanks to the advancement of haircolor technology, red hair is making a comeback.  Reds of the past used to fade so quickly.  For hairdresser’s, fading was always a challenge because there were so many factors to consider in formulating but, that’s where chemistry and skill come in handy!  Today, haircolor chemists have made a major breakthrough with a no ammonia permanent haircolor.  Instead of the traditional water based haircolor this new technology is oil based allowing the color to go directly to the core for more intensity, long lasting wear, spectacular shine, perfect gray coverage and gentle on the hair and scalp. As a Haircolorist, I was thrilled to dabble in a new line and let me tell you, I love this stuff!  Shiny no fade haircolor, true to its tone.  If you’re scalp has ever been sensitive to permanent haircolor this no ammonia permanent color is a blessing.

Everyone can wear red haircolor but it has to be the right tone.  A hair colorist would know whether a blue red or an orange red would suit your skin tone.red 7red 5red 2red 3red 4

Always consult a professional when it comes to coloring your hair.  Remember it costs twice as much to fix!

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty and hair tips.

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

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Hair Colors For Spring And Summer

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As a Haircolorist, I always try to suggest to my clients that old rule of thumb for hair; change to lighter brighter hair colors for spring and summer.

Highlighting is one way to add some pizzazz to your hair.  For brunettes and redheads, warm golden or caramel color highlights would be a great compliment on brown or red hair and will make the color rich.

brunette 2brunette

For blondes, a heavier highlight around the face in pale or platinum shades would give a sun kissed glow.blondblond 2

Red hair color is making a comeback and it’s the latest color trend for this year, if you’re up for a total change!

When it comes to hair color, always, always, consult with a professional.

For more tips about hair and beauty, follow me on Pinterest.

 

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

 

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

 

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

 

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarifying Shampoo

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Strip it baby!  Don’t forget to clarify your hair!  In today’s world of hairstyling a lot of products are being used on the hair to create the looks of today. Gels, mousses, wax, pomade’s and sprays build up on the scalp and need to be deep cleansed off. Clarifying shampoos are designed to deep clean the hair and scalp and remove the buildup. There are clarifying shampoos safe for color treated hair. Removing buildup on a regular basis not only restores body and luster to the hair it also helps color treated hair from fading as quickly. Clarifying the hair once a week is a good rule of thumb.

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips.

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

 

 

 

 

Old Lady Cavendish

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When I was developing the character, Old Lady Cavendish, I had to give her a distinguished trait or something that would really identify with her appearance. A thought popped in my head of something that I had experienced in the past and the story turned out to be the perfect identifying trait for Old Lady Cavendish.

My father-in-law had an old scratchy wool gray cardigan he kept by the door. He’d put the sweater on when he felt cold or when he went outside. When he passed away I took the old wool cardigan and now it’s hung in my hall closet for when I’m cold or when I go outside. Every single time I wear that sweater I think of him with the fondest memories.  At one time I wanted to replace the buttons on the old gray cardigan to something more hip and you can see by the photo I still haven’t changed the buttons!

Here’s a quote from Towel Dry and a Good Cry about Old Lady Cavendish:

I followed her to the kitchen and set the food down on the counter. On her slightly stooped frame was the same sweater she wore every day. It didn’t matter the temperature out, she always had it on. It was a gray cardigan, her father’s, she’d told me. She had removed all the old gray buttons and replaced them with buttons that were a cluster of pearls and rhinestones. A more feminine touch to a not-so-feminine garment.

 

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

Available at your favorite ebook store.

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips.

 

 

Pretty Smelling Hair

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atomizer

A nice way to subtly make your hair smell pretty is to spray your hairbrush with your favorite perfume and then brush through the hair.  Another way is to mix a squirt of your perfume to hair mousse or gel before applying it to your hair.  Throughout the day you and others will enjoy your signature fragrance every time your hair moves!

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

Available at your favorite ebook store

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

 

 

 

Beware of Salon Waxing!

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wax pot

I’d like to share something totally disgusting but worth telling about, waxing at a salon.  I’ve been a hairdresser for thirty two years, (yikes that makes me sound old), a salon owner, a Board Certified Haircolorist and I’ve written a novel, Towel Dry and a Good Cry, about a hairdresser in the eighties.  I’m not bragging here I’m just showing that I know what I’m talking about on this subject.

One thing that grosses me out that happens in a salon and one of my biggest pet peeves is what happens in the waxing room in salons.  Not much grosses me out; I’m a plumber’s daughter, as well.  I can work on a head of hair that stinks to high heaven, a scalp full of psoriasis and a head full of stitches from a recent facelift but the one thing that really makes my skin crawl is ‘double dipping’ in the wax pot.

Every time a professional dips a waxing stick into the wax pot a new stick should be taken every time.  This doesn’t always happen.  The professional should take a new stick every time they dip. I personally don’t want to get my eyebrows done after someone has just had their ass waxed.

If you see a professional ‘double dipping’ the wax stick, do yourself a favor, “run Forrest run”!

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

Available at your favorite ebook store

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

 

 

 

The Zigzag Hair Part

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This is a little tip I’ve always given my clients in the salon.  This form of crisscrossing the hair part is beneficial for two reasons.  First, parting the hair in this way can create volume and second, lifting the hair with a little volume can also disguise the need for a color touch-up.

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     Place the first tooth of a regular comb directly on the scalp.  Without lifting the comb off the scalp draw a zigzag line down the part area until the part is the right length.  Before lifting the comb off the scalp, separate the hair from the first tooth of the comb with your index finger.  There you go!

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips

Judy DeLuca’s Latest Novel

Towel Dry and a Good Cry is about a young girl, new to the hairdressing business, that learns all too quick that there is more to standing behind the chair than just cutting hair.  A story full of laughs and tears lies and fears with characters you’ll love, hate or will leave your jaw hanging open!

Available at your favorite ebook store

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

www.facebook.com/judydelucaauthor

Follow me on Pinterest for more beauty info and tips.