So I'm flipping through some of the most popular hair magazines today and saw step by step pieces for African American consumers. Funny thing, I hardly ever see this in non-African American magazines. What's even more interesting to me is the silly people that are so eager to win the popularity contest (as if it exist) they submit all of their salon secrets, step by step. Hey guys, IF I WERE A MECHANIC AND I GAVE YOU STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CHANGE THE OIL IN YOUR CAR, WOULD YOU STILL LET ME CHANGE YOURS???? Or WOULD YOU BUY CHICKEN FROM KFC AFTER, THEY GAVE YOU THEIR SECRET RECIPE? PLEASE..........PLEASE. And another thing, some magazines pay for pictures, so why are you giving yours away? I understand f you did it sometimes, but every time…..GIVING away step by step, you deserve some monetary compensation. Let me replay a conversation I had with a very popular A.A consumer based magazine. (Mag. Rep)"Hello Tonya, I was looking over some of the work you have done for us in the past and I was wondering if you would be interested in having a few pages front and back of our magazine spotlighting your work?" (Me) "Sure, I would love that. What are you looking for?" (Mag. Rep)" Well, we need more short and natural styles. Tonya, we also want the looks to be step by step" (Me) “I can send you before and after, I have several of those." She insisted on step by step. Hmmmmm (Me) "I'm sorry, I can't do that, what would be the point of showing the consumer how create a style that I want them to patronize me for. I will continue to send you images, however I WILL NOT send step-by-step." She said she understood and to this day they continue to print my finished images. QUESTION: Do you think the magazine will give you step by step instructions on how to create your own hair magazine? How to promote your magazine? NO! So why don't you stop showcasing your talent for FREE! I will never forget, my son and I were watching The Dark Knight and the Joker said to the other criminals, "If you're good at something, never do it for Free!" Hmmmm Remember, these companies would not be in business if it wasn't for your talent. Sense anyone?!?!? I could go on and on with this but, I'm teaching a class on this and I'd hate to give it away.

I can't believe it's time for the asymmetric styles to come back. But it's cool, cause I love the way I look in asymmetric shirts, dresses not to mention hairstyles. It must be the lefty in me. Seriously, asymmetric is hot. Jason Wu was on point with Michelle Obama dress. But I noticed a few months ago, while shopping at the mall, most of the shirts were asymmetric. So showing that one shoulder is haute!

Happy Nu Year

A new year, a new you.......well at least that's what we say. I sat at my desk to write a few goals I wanted to set this year, like teach more classes, hit the gym more, travel, update this blog more, blah blah blah. When I was done, I started cleaning my office and to my surprise I found a list of goals I set for 2008. After looking over the goals I realized that I didn't accomplish any of them. I thought WHAT A WASTE. Get this, I compared the two and I have most of the same goals on both list. Duhhhh!!Don't get me wrong, I progressed in 2008 but I had a few goals I wanted to focus on and I didn't. One of my clients suggested that I post them. So, I did. Gotta a routine now, hit the snooze button a few times, meditate, hit the bathroom, dress, go to the office check the news, get coffee and dry toast and a piece of fruit, (apple or banana) grab my pocketbook and off to the salon. Did I skip hit the treadmill. I gotta find time for that. Anyway, I have nu pics on the site and I'm doing a photo shoot in a few days so I'll have more nu pics. Oh, I know many people are loosing jobs, don't forget on Monday and Tuesday I offer ole skool, back in the day prices. But you gotta have the coupons to get the discount. Shampoo/style $25 and relaxers $55 hmmmmm good stuff. I will also have a classified ads page where I will post job openings so make sure you check the website. www.nufacesinternational.com Until next time STAY BEAUTIFUL!!!!

April

Hey Guys, I'm still trying to keep up with my blog, (keep me in prayer). We're wrapping up another month and I must say April went by fast. I know the economy looks pretty bad but I do believe it will get better. Afterall, our president said we are not in a recession. Hmmm tell that to the 80,000 people who lost their jobs in March Making it a total of 232,000 to date.(don't have the April numbers yet) www.pbs.org So why are we not in a recession.....oh that's right it's election time. So this time next year we will talk about how the country was in a recession from January 08-current. Shhhhhh we are not suppose to say that word. I digress....

I know this is a difficult time for many. Therefore I have added coupons to my website and I also have coupons in the local paper, offering discounted services on Tuesday and Wednesday. www.nufacesinternational.com In the meantime, lets pray for one another and for our leaders in an effort to get this country back into shape.

Final note, not all jobs were affected by the economic situation. Some government agencies are still hiring. www.usajob.gov you may want to check them out.

Make it a beautiful day!!

Tonya S

Wearing a weave will give your hair rest....

When will you learn that it is impossible to cornrow with extreme tension, sew in tracks with extreme tension and have hair when you remove your extensions. It just doesn't work. Remember, your hair is fragile. Protect it[hair] and it will stay with you. Abuse it and it will leave you........wearinga wig. (Sorry I had to get that out) Also be careful brushing your hair while trying to wrap it for bed. (especially the edges) As stated, the hair is very delicate and will break. Use a pomade, slick stick or even a foam lotion to tame your edges.


(pic courtesy of Essence online Magazine)

Although this is a beautiful hairstyle, look at her edges. Or should I say, where are her edges. If your braids look like this(very nicely done) or if your stylist is prepping you for extensions and it looks like this, you have just destroyed your edges.




(too tight)

Remember wearing a weave is another way to give your hair rest. But if it's so tight your can't sleep and you look half Chinese you're doing it wrong.

Gotta go, my next client is here

Lace Front Wigs/extensions

A Lace front wig is the best thing that's happened to the weave industry. Thank God, there is help. Cuz honey child,
:-) I have seen some ugly weave jobs. I mean horrible. Track exposed, cheap quality hair(hair swells), lumps (foundation is incorrect)and overall, unattractive.

Although lace fronts are hot it shouldn't be an alternative to maintaining healthy hair. The problem I have with people wearing wigs/extensions is that they use it as a band aid to hide a problem. The truth of the matter is, you can't hide damaged hair by wearing a wig, wearing braids or a head full of weave. You must fix the problem first. Think about it, doesn't it make more sense to wear extension/wig while trying to bring you hair back to a natural healthy state instead of wearing a wig/extension because your hair is damaged.

My suggestion for damaged hair:

1. Visit a salon for a professional analysis
2. Get regular trims and deep conditioning
3. Continue to wear wig/extension
DO THIS EVERY SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS. The results will take your breath away. When you wake up one morning and decide you never want to wear wigs again, you will have a full head of healthy hair.
If you refuse to take care of your hair, you will forever be a slave to the wig/extensions.
Take a look at some good and bad lace fronts.


We all know "B" is known for her great hair so we will excuse her this time. This is a lace front with too much adhesive.







Ashanti is wearing the ear to ear lace front with a permanent part. This is the alternative to wearing a full lace front wig cap.







Paris Hilton is wearing a Swiss Cap unit which may be parted anywhere.




I have shown you great lace fronts however, if you choose to wear regular extensions your extensions should look just as good.
For more styles and tips on haircare log onto www.nufacesinternational.com

Blog more often

I made a promise to my clients and myself that I will blog more often. I had to set my cell phone to remind me to blog. (Getting old) I have a few clients that I communicate with on a regular basis. We email about shoes, handbags, makeup and countless email about hairrrrrrrrrrrrr. : - ) Before you know it, one of their friends or coworkers are emailing me about a statement made. I thought it would be easier for everyone if I just put my thoughts in a blog then I don't have to forward everything I say. Now you have a place to read Tonya's opinion. Happy reading.

Ever had a bad hair day?

Ever had a bad hair day? I have. I can remember putting on my favorite pair of jeans, a sexy top, and my stilettos. I put a little powder on my face and gloss on my lips, ran my fingers through my hair......hair, just didn't want to behave.....

What do I do? I am too sexy for a hat. I don't like wigs. They look so wiggy and fake. Not any more.....Let us make you a wig, with that hair cut you always wanted, but didn't have the heart to get.

Thank you to my model Latisha for letting me use her perfect head and beautiful face. This is a wig I made in the salon. This wig has three (3) different looks. The front looks like a layered cut, the bangs may be worn flipped up or flat on the face, the back shows a forward diagonal bob and the final look is an asymmetric bob with flipped flirty bangs. I used black hair with blonde extensions at the crown. click on pic then scroll mouse over pic to see details about the style. for more styles scroll down or visit www.nufacesinternational.com