Coming Soon: Taylor Andrews Academy Next Dimension Hair Show

Model from a previous hair show by Taylor Andrews.

Announcing the 12th Annual Next Dimension Hairshow by Taylor Andrews Academy! Let me tell you, it is a-w-e-s-o-m-e. This year's theme is based on movies, with films like Lord of the Rings, Transformers, Twilight, and Spiderman included in the show.

The TA students work in groups to create hairpieces, costumes, choreography, music, and stage setup built around their given themes to produce an incredible presentation of the abilities of TA students in a runway-like, avant garde fashion world environment.

It will be held April 18th at 7pm at the Expo Center in Sandy, UT. Tickets are $10/person in advance, and $20/person at the door.

This is a fun event and a great introduction to the world of avant garde fashion and hair. Call Taylor Andrews at (801)655-0797 to buy tickets, and specify that you want to buy them through Christa Taylor or the Transformers group. I'd love your support! :)

Changing Faces or Changing Lives?

Sunflowers make me happy. This post is about being happy. Hence the sunflowers. :)

This is an issue that I think is essential to address. Props to you for reading this, I think there are some important clarifications and opinions mentioned throughout. Enjoy. :)

Many people feel antagonistic about changing their hair color, or wearing makeup, or going into the beauty industry because it's "fake", "vain", and is just about being something that you're not. I won't deny that there is a good chunk of people and parts of the industry that can be just as artificial and seemingly self-consumed as the stereotype denotes them to be.

But to us, it's not about covering up your face to become some Vogue beauty; it's about accentuating the beautiful features and qualities the person already has. It's not about looking perfect; it's about becoming confident.

I was in a pageant last year shortly before I started hair school, and was asked a difficult question about this. My platform was titled "You Are Priceless", and focused on girls discovering and learning to love their inner worth without the false visions of worldly beauty defining them. In my interview, one of the judges asked me: "How is it that your platform is about not needing worldly beauty, but you're going into the very industry that promotes it?"

Tough question, right? My answer was basically this: "Every woman needs to find and love her inner beauty, and through that find confidence. Learning to like themselves in the mirror can be an important step through the door towards loving who they are on the inside, as a person. They start to think, even subconsciously, that if they can like themselves on the outside, then maybe they can like themselves on the inside, too. I simply help them look like the best 'them' they can be, so they can start to feel like the best them they can be."

What greater satisfaction is there than to make someone feel loved? Feel beautiful? Feel like maybe they can begin to like or even love themselves in a healthy way? Everyone likes to look good, because it makes them feel good. Sometimes in a narcissistic, worldy way, yes. But most importantly, it makes people feel worth something. Important.

A woman wearing a simple matching blouse and capris, with her makeup done and hair neatly styled, feels put together and organized and happier than before. A certain color of lipstick can give her the confidence she needs to take on the day. A certain eyeliner shape can show off the exceptional stunning beauty of her eye color. 

It's artistic. It's confidence building. It develops friendships and relationships. It's about self-esteem. It's about realizing self worth. It's about loving who you are. It's about loving other people. 

That's why I'm a cosmetologist.

Sweetheart Deal!

Single or not, this is a steal of a deal you won't want to miss! Valid February 14th through March 31st, get our Sweetheart Deal for only $20, which includes a pedicure, deep condition, scalp massage, and professional blow out. The pedicure alone usually costs $22, and the usual value of all those services is about $40-- so it's the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself, a friend or your sweetheart!

Purchase at Taylor Andrews Academy in Orem, UT. If not used before March 31st, it's still valid for use as a $20 gift card. Call the front desk at 1(801)655-0797 for more details if needed.

If you have any questions, I or the front desk can answer them for you. Don't miss such an awesome deal! Come. Get it. Use it. A day of pampering awaits you. :)


Credit google images

Simple, Natural, Evening-Wear Makeup on Lindsay

My friend Lindsay had a date to be cute for, and I had my makeup ready to go. Coincidence? I think not. :) She wanted a natural, simple look, so I went with a subtle smoky eye for evening (with golds and violets to bring out her gorgeous blue eyes and red hair), a coral/pink cheek, and soft pink shimmer lip. I also cleaned up her brows and shaped them slightly (I love brows! Couldn't resist :)). Sorry for the low picture resolution, I used a poorer quality camera that usual. Enjoy nonetheless. :)

Transformations #1: Iuliana

Iuliana is one of my gorgeous friends whose hair I had the privilege to tame today! As you can see in the before picture on the left, she has insane natural curl. She has a lot of hair and doesn't apply much heat to it, but because the texture of the hair itself is so fine, it damages quite easily. A poorly done haircut a few months ago didn't help either.

We did a deep moisturizing condition, then took off about 6-7 inches of length, leaving soft, healthy ends. She decided it was time for a change-- so we went ahead and did straight across bangs as well! The picture doesn't show it well, but the fringe blended beautifully into the rest of the hair. The bangs will look great with both her straight and naturally curly hair. :)

Some of the products we used were Sebastian Trilliant as a thermal protectant (see my post Products You Need #1: Sebastian Trilliant), Outshine by Redken (an anti-frizz polishing milk, especially good for moisturizing and texturizing ends), and Redken Ironsets (a hairspray-like product that helps reluctant hair to straighten. Her hair didn't need it, but if you have coarse, reluctant hair, this could be a great product for you).

She loved it! I did too. Let me know what you think!

More Updos

Here are a few more fun samples of my updo work. :) The first one was for a formal dance, the second one was an experiment on a friend (would be a beautiful wedding style with some curl and body to it!), and the third one is a casual style with a new braiding technique I came up with.

                                           

Fun Braided Updo

Here is a cute, braided updo I did on my sister last summer while in England. I made it up and loved it! The nice thing about it is that it works on both short and long hair-- her hair was about shoulder length at the time I did this. Tutorial?? Comment and let me know!

Flower Updo Attempt #1

So I saw this WICKED amazing updo on Pinterest, and about a month ago decided I had to try it. So this is my first attempt at an updo that's supposed to look like a flower. Not exactly how I intended it to look, but still a pretty creation nonetheless. :) But I WILL nail that updo! Wait for it! :)

Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design in Orem, UT

Makeup by Sheri Curtis, who works with the school frequently and is married to the school owner, Larry Curtis.

If you would like to book an appointment with me, this is where you'll find me! Taylor Andrews is one of the top beauty schools out there, and I'm privileged to be getting my education from somewhere with so many opportunities. At the school I can perform any services the school offers, which includes pedicures, haircuts, colors, scalp treatments, and of course my favorite service, updos.

For a complete list of services and the price list, see the school site: http://www.taylorandrew.com/contact/client-service/

To book an appointment, call the front desk: (801)665-0797 and request Christa Taylor as your stylist. :) I'm available Tues-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm at the minimum, and often have extended hours.

I'm excited to meet you and do your hair, especially all you prom and wedding ladies! ;)

Products You Need #2: Dove Thermal Replenishment Spray

This is amazing stuff. Primarily it's a thermal protectant, which means it helps protect your hair from heat damage from your flat iron, curling iron, blow dryer, etc. Healthier hair means the hair gets longer faster, and who doesn't want that? You simply spritz it throughout the hair, damp or dry, before applying heat. It gives a smooth, glossy finish without leaving a waxy, greasy residue on the hair. This stuff smells amazing, and the best part is that it's CHEAP. It's less than $5 at drugstores. Give it a shot-- it's a fantastic product and you've got nothing to lose.

Trends #1: Vintage is the New Modern

It's pretty blatant news that vintage is very much in. Vintage/retro influence is everywhere, from the 1930's collars to the 1950's party dresses to even the 1980's winged sleeve. Check out some of my favorite returning trends, and scour Pinterest for more amazing looks!

1. The Pompadour
The original 1950's look looks good as the bees knees on Elvis Presley (left), and classy and fashionable on modern Mr. Attractive (right). It is a daring look, and not for every man. But for those who can pull it off, it's a definite win in the classy department. Love it.

2. The Sweetheart Neckline
It is EVERYWHERE. Wedding dresses, party dresses, swimsuits, peacoats, you name it. The look is likely so popular not only because it's vintage, but also because the design is flattering on most body types. I think it's especially adorable with a lace collar and sleeves-- it's more modest and wearable that way. :) Such a beautiful look; expect it to come back to the fashion world again and again.

3. The Red Lipstick
Come on ladies. You all love it. As nude colors, soft pinks, and natural lip colors have dominated the day-to-day look for so many years, it's a daring move to rouge up those lips-- but it's flattering on most women, and so classy. Just make sure you have the right shade of red. If you have a warmer complexion-- aka skin with red or yellow/olive undertones, red hair, chocolatey brown hair, gold/brown/green eye color-- you'll look better with gold reds, brown reds, or warm berry reds. If you have a cooler complexion-- aka blue skin undertones, blue or grey eyes, mousy/more neutral brown hair, or blue/black hair-- or on some people with darker skin, a cooler shade will suit you best; purpley reds, blue-based reds, and straight-up retro red red. Play around with what looks best on you. Look till you find the shade that best accentuates your features, and doesn't look like a red splash on your face like a four year old who just found clown makeup. It's a great accessory everyone will notice! :)

Notice Anne Hathaway's warm complexion paired with a warm, orange-based red (left), and the model on the right's warm, but darker complexion looks amazing with a cool, blue-based red. Both beautifully matched.

Makeup Photoshoot

I took a makeup artistry course recently, and this is my masterpiece from the photoshoot we did as part of the class. My good friend Christina was kind enough to model for me. The original theme idea was all-out 1940's vintage, but I'm still loving the modern twist we ended up with. Let me know what you think! :)

Hair & Makeup by Christa Taylor

Photography by Mitch Meyer

Products You Need #1: Sebastian Trilliant

I use this on clients all the time-- I love it. It's a thermal protectant and finishing spray applied to damp or dry hair, but it's number one perk is that it smells AMAZING. It is to die for. If it isn't available at your salon, purchase at a local professional beauty supply store or online for $15-25. A couple spritzes is all it takes, so it lasts practically forever. Go get it. Sebastian Trilliant. You won't regret it. :)